The Catholic Trustees who will impact our working conditions for the next four years will be elected this October.  Teachers are encouraged to have conversations with other Catholic voters, including family and friends, about the Trustee election. 

There are five candidates running for the two Trustee positions in Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake; Eddie Galati, John Shalala, Frank Fera, Dan Moody and Tony Caruso. 

In the 2014, there were also five candidates running for the two positions.  Below are the results of the 2014 election.

  Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake TotalFrank Fera 3247 316 3563Ed Nieuwesteeg 3001 188 3189Maureen Young 2722 440 3162John Shalala 2269 252 2521Salvatore Manella 1793 204 1997

Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan Moody

John Shalala Tony Caruso

If you are able to vote on the Director’s contract, are you in favour of extending it beyond its current term (believed to be 2020)? 

With the current state of affairs, my answer is No! I would 100% support a motion to take steps in administration change!! A trustee’s main purpose is to have  oversight,  transparency, accountability in administration, budget integrity/ spending and listening to the  front line staff concerns

a) When you were Trustee during the 2010-2014 term, did you vote in favour of extending the current Director’s contract beyond your term?  If so, did you vote to extend the Director’s contract to 2020? 

b) If you are able to vote on the Director’s contract, are you in favour of extending it beyond its

If you are able to vote on the Director’s contract, are you in favour of extending it beyond its current term (believed to be 2020)? 

No. There needs to be change. This has to occur from the top.

If you are able to vote on the Director’s contract, are you in favour of extending it beyond its current term (believed to be 2020)? 

Let me think – NO!!! – From the things I am hearing, I actually do not want him to finish this one!

I If you are able to vote on the Director’s contract, are you in favour of extending it beyond its current term (believed to be 2020)? 

I will be open to the idea of applications, last thing I want to see is complacency at the board.

(and this includes working hard to have your voice heard). 

current term (believed to be 2020)? 

Absolutely not, I was not supportive of the extension and any further extensions would be inappropriate and detrimental for our system.

As I  indicated earlier this board requires a breath of fresh air and new direction, if I am re-elected I am ready to support this change.

New trustees elected to the board must vote for a change in direction- a direction that will assume accountability, clean up our financial mess, and settle the

countless grievances that have plagued this board and continue to have a negative impact on our finances.

Dignity, Respect and Pride need to be restored to the system and to all of our employees!

Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan Moody

John Shalala Tony Caruso

A survey of Niagara Catholic District School Board employees represented by OECTA Niagara Elementary, Secondary and Occasional Teachers and CUPE was conducted between April 20 and April 29, 2018.  The results of the survey are attached.  Please provide your thoughts about the results of the survey and what changes you would make as Trustee.

I am aware of this survey and the results are shocking! The executive branch

A survey of Niagara Catholic District School Board employees represented by OECTA Niagara Elementary, Secondary and Occasional Teachers and CUPE was conducted between April 20 and April 29, 2018.  The results of the survey are attached.  Please provide your thoughts about the

A survey of Niagara Catholic District School Board employees represented by OECTA Niagara Elementary, Secondary and Occasional Teachers and CUPE was conducted between April 20 and April 29, 2018.  The results

A survey of Niagara Catholic District School Board employees represented by OECTA Niagara Elementary, Secondary and Occasional Teachers and CUPE was conducted between April 20 and April 29, 2018.  The results of the survey are attached.  Please provide your thoughts about the results of the survey and what changes you would make as

A survey of Niagara Catholic District School Board employees represented by OECTA Niagara Elementary, Secondary and Occasional Teachers and CUPE was conducted between April 20 and April 29, 2018.  The results of the survey are attached.  Please provide your thoughts about the results of the survey and what changes you

has had years of opportunity to create a healthy and positive work environment for all employees as well as school community.  Instead, it appears that there is irresponsible spending patterns/moral is low and we are headed in the wrong direction.  I will support change in the executive branch.  There is factual information to support this motion.

results of the survey and what changes you would make as Trustee.

This survey is a definite indication that the Director of Education is extremely unpopular with our Teaching Community and Cupe Support Staff. One of my biggest concerns is the culture of fear that has permeated our employees for the past eight years. This must come to an end. Our employees should be allowed to enjoy their work environment/culture without fear of reprisals. A positive new administrative direction is required that will serve the

of the survey are attached.  Please provide your thoughts about the results of the survey and what changes you would make as Trustee.

As seen by the results of the survey, the morale of staff is low and I am very disappointed by the current state of affairs within the NCDSB.  I plan on making Senior Administration more accountable to the needs of the community (staff, students, and parents).

Trustee.

I must say that the survey was “VERY INTERESTING,” and “VERY DISAPPOINTING.”  The teachers seem to be happy with the principles at the school level, but I was certainly shocked and horrified with the dissatisfaction regarding the trustees, superintendants, and especially the director.  I would love to read the comments associated with the survey and to sit down with the Board and seriously go over these results.  They need to know these things; maybe they do and are just not doing anything about it.  It’s time to take the blinders off!

 

Most teachers are afraid to speak up or voice their feelings, opinions

would make as Trustee.

I applicate the Survey however more needs to be done. Once elected I would like to establish an advisory committee of teachers to direct any concerns to the board liaison. We need to have a personal connection and by creating a committee it will be start of a fresh foundation to restore confidence between the administration and the teachers.

 

interest of the Board as well as the system is what we need. Transparency and accountability and a sound financial system must prevail.

 

  or complaints in fear that they will be shunned, blackballed, ostracized by the director or supervisors and it certainly does happen. There certainly is no respect when it comes to teacher / supervision even though supervision would have you think there is.  Our teachers are in the classroom, working hand-in-hand with the children.  If elected, I will make sure that all Trustees represent the best interests of our teachers, allowing them a voice without retaliation.  And, sorry to say, this may take a long time to achieve if the trustees continue to sit back and let it happen. I will hold myself accountable and make a conscious effort to make the other trustees also accountable for their actions

or lack of action.

I am committed to improving our community by strengthening instruction in the classroom, supporting staff in order to take students to the next level of success for them.

As a Trustee, I will cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect for fair and open discussion, so that everyone has a voice at the table. I believe stronger communication between the school, parish, and home will cultivate a more positive and caring learning environment that is also rich in Faith

I will strive to be a pro-active and engaged trustee who will work hard to uphold the vision of Catholic education and make sure that the integrity of

our faith remains present and foremost in our Catholic schools

I will make my own decisions based on my educational / life experiences, and on the principles of what I believe will best benefit our students and teachers in the classroom and I will challenge and encourage the other trustees to do the same.  “NO MORE GAMES”   No longer will it be “What’s in it for me” but rather “What’s in it for the children.”

I will be honest and open, seeking to be an example of the word “trustee” to students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, and the community. 

Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan Moody

John Shalala Tony Caruso

It’s our understanding that Senior Administration got raises of 5% each year for three years, yet

It’s our understanding that Senior Administration got raises of

It’s our understanding that Senior Administra

It’s our understanding that Senior Administration got raises of 5% each

It’s our understanding that Senior Administration got raises of 5%

finances seem to be an ongoing concern in our Board.  For example, over the last several years, there have been:

•teacher and support staff layoffs

•cuts to programs and services for students

•a lack of resources in many classrooms

•the failure to replace Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, etc. when they are absent.

•triple grade splits planned for some classrooms

•the collapsing and combining of department heads in secondary

•cuts to Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodians, English as a Second Language teachers, Education Resource Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, etc. 

As Trustee, what will you do to address this?

5% each year for three years, yet finances seem to be an ongoing concern in our Board.  For example, over the last several years, there have been:

•teacher and support staff layoffs

•cuts to programs and services for students

•a lack of resources in many classrooms

•the failure to replace Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, etc. when they are absent.

•triple grade splits planned for some classrooms

•the collapsing and combining of department heads in

tion got raises of 5% each year for three years, yet finances seem to be an ongoing concern in our Board.  For example, over the last several years, there have been:

•teacher and support staff layoffs

•cuts to programs and services for students

•a lack of resources in many classrooms

•the failure to replace Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, etc. when they are

year for three years, yet finances seem to be an ongoing concern in our Board.  For example, over the last several years, there have been:

•teacher and support staff layoffs

•cuts to programs and services for students

•a lack of resources in many classrooms

•the failure to replace Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, etc. when they are absent.

•triple grade splits planned for some classrooms

•the collapsing and combining of department heads in secondary

•cuts to Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Library Technicians,

each year for three years, yet finances seem to be an ongoing concern in our Board.  For example, over the last several years, there have been:

•teacher and support staff layoffs

•cuts to programs and services for students

•a lack of resources in many classrooms

•the failure to replace Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, etc. when they are absent.

•triple grade splits planned for some classrooms

•the collapsing and combining of department heads in secondary

It is very hard to believe administration will receive a 15% increase in salary over 3 yrs, while the  board is cutting  jobs and resources for students. This seems to be happening because of poor managing of funds! I will fight to balance the budget, fight for better cost saving ideas and look at changing programs that have shown no successful result.   This does not include frontline staff being used as a way to save money or balance the budget!

secondary

•cuts to Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodians, English as a Second Language teachers, Education Resource Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, etc. 

As Trustee, what will you do to address this?

As I understood it, it was a ministry initiative, However, it is now immaterial since the new government put a freeze on these raises. A new Board can support the freese since we can’t afford the

absent.

•triple grade splits planned for some classrooms

•the collapsing and combining of department heads in secondary

•cuts to Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodians, English as a Second Language teachers, Education Resource Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, etc. 

As Trustee, what will you do to address

Custodians, English as a Second Language teachers, Education Resource Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, etc. 

As Trustee, what will you do to address this?

First of all, I am going to ask them to give back this unwarranted and in my opinion, undeserved raise.  In these days 1% if any is now the norm and we are giving them 15% over three years and at the same time laying-off workers.  How’s that for a kick in the you know what?

•cuts to Educational Assistants, Communicative Disorder Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodians, English as a Second Language teachers, Education Resource Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, etc. 

As Trustee, what will you do to address this?

Being a Trustee means "education first"! Students need to feel engaged and enriched; therefore lack of services and various cuts do not make sense for students. I feel it is necessary to freeze salary increments to senior administration and put the interests of the students first

raises! Subsequent to the election, a new board will make positive changes to many board policies, especially if newly elected trustees support a new direction. I voted against the budget because of the list of on-going concerns. I share your legitimate listed concerns.

this?

 

Upper level management are soaking up many of the financial resources that would be better served at the ground level. There needs to be transparency in spending so that funds can be properly allocated. 5% wage increases for Senior Administration each year is unacceptable if student programs are being cut in order to balance the

budget. Funds needs to be re-appropriated so that students come first.

Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan Moody

John Shalala Tony Caruso

Why are you running for Trustee?

Both of our children are in the Niagara Catholic school system and are and will be directly affected in the actions that this board makes.  I have a strong faith and want my children to be nurtured in the Catholic school system.  I am also married to a teacher who has given me great insight in the need for proper resources/supports for students.  Using my strong leadership skills, I intend to unify our Catholic community for the betterment of our children.  This can be achieved by advocating for transparency in budget expenditures, listening to front line staff and student needs, as well as

Why are you running for Trustee?

To ensure that students come first

 

Why are you running for Trustee?

As a lifetime resident of Niagara Falls, I was a product of the Welland County Separate School Board and graduated from Notre Dame College in Welland.  My children were raised within the NCDSB and I believe in the integrity of the

Why are you running for Trustee?

Quite frankly, to stop the foolishness that is taking place within the Board of Trustees, the Superintendants, and the Director.  Where is the accountability and transparency?  We have to get back to basics and put students and teachers first and foremost and to give them all the tools they need to be successful in the classroom like pencils, notebooks, adequate technology (fundamentals, this is ridicules that I have to even have to mention this). 

Why are you running for Trustee?

For me, running for Trustee means leading positive change by giving Teachers, Students and parents an Equal Voice.

 

investing time into “smart spending”, in the allocation of funds for student learning needs.

As a General Manager of a large food and beverage operation, I have been a very good listener  to my front line staff, managers and our guests, which has allowed me to alter  positive change in partnership with my entire team.  My intension is to use these skills to be an affective Catholic school board trustee.

Catholic Educational system. I feel my experience and knowledge as a student and parent within the Catholic system provides me with insight to the many concerns of the current state of our schoolboard. I am passionate about continuing the growth of Catholic Education in Niagara.

 

We also need to bring trust, dignity, and respect back into the classroom and the Board as a whole and to immediately stop this culture of fear; fear of retaliation, fear of reprisals.  It is time to take control of the budget and to stop foolishly spending money on unneeded undertakings, projects, trips, dinners, and anything else that looks and sounds ridiculous and put that money where it is needed most; into the needs of students and teachers. We cannot function effectively if we are constantly operating in a deficit.  With the decline in student enrolment, we need to take a much closer look as to why these numbers are decreasing and implement a strategy into changing this before it is too

late.Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan

MoodyJohn Shalala Tony Caruso

Elementary teachers were locked out during bargaining as they stood up for their right to speak to Trustees.  What are your thoughts on this and will you meet with employees to hear their concerns and ideas?

Any successful organization does promote open communication from top to bottom and from bottom to the top.  This will be key to getting accurate information so we can make smart decisions.  I completely will advocate for staff to speak to me directly so I can listen and learn from their experience. It appears that this has been discouraged, which is concerning, especially because I’m a firm believer in transparency and open communication.

Elementary teachers were locked out during bargaining as they stood up for their right to speak to Trustees.  What are your thoughts on this and will you meet with employees to hear their concerns and ideas 

The lock out should never have taken place. If we had a trustee on the negotiating committee to report the true facts to the board the lock out would have been avoided.

You know that I have always been available to hear the concerns of our employees and if re-elected I will

Elementary teachers were locked out during bargaining as they stood up for their right to speak to Trustees.  What are your thoughts on this and will you meet with employees to hear their concerns and ideas?

 

I feel that the teachers were treated unfairly in this situation and parents were mis-informed about the issues surrounding the

Elementary teachers were locked out during bargaining as they stood up for their right to speak to Trustees.  What are your thoughts on this and will you meet with employees to hear their concerns and ideas?

Why did this have to happen in the first? Is it not the direction of the trustees to be the middle people between the Board and the teachers? If both parties had trust and confidence in each other, this whole matter could have been taken care of much sooner and without a lock-out. Both sides need to be heard in a civil manner so that an educated and timely decision can be made.  I will work hard to ensure this does not happen in the

Elementary teachers were locked out during bargaining as they stood up for their right to speak to Trustees.  What are your thoughts on this and will you meet with employees to hear their concerns and ideas?

The foundation of a successful team means offering each other support. As Trustee, I would stand in the front lines with the teachers. Successful Leaders support their teams.

continue to be available and be advocate for them.

lockout. I welcome any opportunity to speak to staff and field their concerns and ideas. I feel that I have a good idea of their existing issues, and empathize with them.

future.

 

If elected, I plan to make myself available to the teachers and students by visiting schools, attending activities, and showing support in any way that I can and I will encourage the other trustees to do the same.

Eddie Galati Frank Fera Dan Moody

John Shalala Tony Caruso

Is there anything else teachers and support staff should know about you before they vote?

My life history does tell a story about me! I came from a middle class family and faced many hurdles throughout my life!  It is my faith and hard work that has brought me to this point in my journey.  I have strong leadership skills and I will bring a common sense approach to the challenges ahead.  I have no hidden agenda! Being strong minded,

Is there anything else teachers and support staff should know about you before they vote?

Is there anything else teachers and support staff should know about you before they vote?

For me, this is not a job opportunity. I am motivated by the desire to support and empower our staff. I

Is there anything else teachers and support staff should know about you before they vote?

I have given much thought into what I have heard and seen these past years especially with spending, negotiations, lock-out, fear of retaliation, “cliques,” and on the one hand I have become quite irritated and on the other hand, I have become quite motivated to rock

Is there anything else teachers and support staff should know about you before they vote?

My name is Tony Caruso and I am running for the position of Trustee for the Catholic School Board. I am extremely passionate about education. Growing up, education was difficult for me however it definitely has not held me

hardworking and passionate in what I do, has yielded great results for all. I believe in integrity –everyone who knows me,  knows what you see is what you get- I believe in Catholic Education, have always been involved in it and am a practicing Catholic….As a general manager, I believe in my staff , as I also believe in  our teachers,  all staff on that front line, as well as the community.  They are the voices that need to be heard the most, as you know what our students and children need to succeed.

want to make NCDSB a strong competitor for education in Niagara. Through increased academic support and engagement in extra-curricular activities, I feel that we can be the first (and only) choice for Niagara's families.

the boat and see who sinks or swims.  We all say it’s time for change and do nothing about it.  I want to do something about it before it gets worse and we lose not only what dignity we have left, but also our Catholic Board.  Let’s take back control, let’s get it together, and let’s make it easier to go to work and feel good and proud about what we are doing.  This is achievable. I believe the Trustees need to regain the trust they have lost. They need to be active in the schools and should be able to be approached by all Board employees to get a better understanding of what is most important to everyone and that is the emotional, spiritual, and educational growth of our students.

back. My education includes a B.A in Social Sciences from Athabasca University. I have attended Brock University (3 years) where I studied Political Science and History. I have a diploma in Law & Security Administration from Niagara College and a diploma for Paralegal Studies from Algonquin Academy where I graduated with honours. I always strive to be the best I can and accomplish my goals.

Currently, I have my own successful legal firm with several associates that work at my practice. Being registered with the Law Society of Ontario and

having in depth and hand on legal experience, I feel my skills can be extensively utilized in policy making and board functions. In addition, I also bring to the table many years of experience as a Citizen Appointee Official of Niagara Falls from 2006-2011.

Once elected as a School Trustee, I would like to offer 3 major principles to strive for: educational core values and faith, effective educational standards and traditional Catholic values.

Some may ask what you mean by educational core values; this is how I define it:

1.  Student Focus

2.            Collaboration and Public Engagement

3.            Ethics and Self-Discipline

4.            Respect and Dignity Toward Others and Self

5.            The Constant Pursuit of Self-Betterment

 

Eddie Galati contacted our office this week to say that he will do the things that he indicated in his responses above.  He also stated that he has posted a video on his Facebook account for people to view. 

The 2018 Municipal and School Board Election is on Monday, October 22nd, 2018.

Advance Polls for Niagara Falls https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/elections/default.aspx

Saturday, September 29, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

MacBain Community Centre - 7150 Montrose Road

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Optimist Club - 7085 Morrison Street

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m.

Chippawa Arena - 9000 Sodom Road

Friday, October 12, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MacBain Community Centre - 7150 Montrose Road

Saturday, October 13, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Gale Centre Arena - 5152 Thorold Stone Road