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Head-and-shoulders portrait of Dameon Halstead, bald, with a moustache and goatee, wearing a tan blazer, light blue shirt, and navy tie.

Candidate for School Board Trustee

Dameon Halstead

Toronto District School Board Ward 11

Candidate details

Email
info@dameonhalstead.ca
Phone
416-871-4772

Issue answers

Trustees, the Board, and the Province

What's the most important thing you'd act on as a school board trustee, and what experience or strengths would help you make it happen?

My top priority as a Trustee would be ensuring every child has a safe, supportive school environment and the opportunity to succeed. My experience in property management, security supervision, youth advocacy, resource management, and working with the provincial government has taught me the importance of safety, accountability, responsible decisions, and wise use of resources. It has strengthened my ability to listen, ask questions, and find practical solutions. I would bring these strengths to the Board and advocate to the Province for support.

Bullying in Schools

Bullying and discrimination are concerns raised in many school communities. What role do you believe a School Board Trustee should play in addressing these issues, and what actions would you support?

Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school. As a Trustee, I would support clear and consistent procedures to prevent and respond to bullying and discrimination, with safe, simple, and accessible reporting, including confidential and online options. Concerns should lead to timely follow-up, support, and meaningful action. I would support staff training, track incidents and patterns, and promote prevention, restorative approaches, and appropriate consequences. Students and families must be heard and taken seriously.

Class Sizes and Staffing

Some school communities have raised concerns about teacher and educational-assistant (EA) staffing levels and class sizes. What role would you take as a School Board Trustee in addressing these concerns, and what would your priorities be?

My priority would be ensuring every student has the teachers, EAs, resources, and support they need to succeed and reach their full potential. As a Trustee, I would listen to teachers, EAs, students, and families to understand where the greatest needs are and work with the Board to address them responsibly and in a timely manner. I would advocate for manageable class sizes, adequate EA support, and recognition of classroom complexity and individual needs. I would also advocate to the Province for the funding our schools need.

Special Programs and Program Access

School boards make decisions about the range and distribution of specialized programs, including special education, language programs, and arts programming. What would you prioritize as a School Board Trustee in how these programs are offered and accessed?

Every student is different, with their own strengths, interests, abilities, and needs. As a Trustee, I would make fair and equitable access to special education, language, arts, academic, and skilled-trades programs a priority, regardless of where students live or which school they attend. I would support clear criteria, remove barriers, and ensure resources are distributed fairly. I would also support expanding programs that meet student needs and review access so families clearly understand their options and can access the supports they need.

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