Blake Hambly
for Ward 1

Why run for HWDSB Trustee?

Well, I believe our students deserve a better school system that prepares them for the world ahead, whether that be pursuing post-secondary education, or entering the workforce. It is no secret that the world is rapidly changing. AI, technology, skilled trades and new career opportunities are transforming the way we live and work. Our schools need to keep pace and get ahead of these trends to provide students with strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and critical thinking and logic - all the fundamentals of a quality education. Our education system is trending in the downward direction, with standardized scores plummeting, as the education system continues to fail our children.

I will ensure responsible spending through advocating for transparent and responsible use of education funding, prioritizing resources that directly support our students and their classrooms, and asking the tough questions and demanding accountability when major decisions affect our communities.

Supporting students and educators is achieved by advocating for appropriate resources for students with learning needs. We also need to do a better job of supporting our teachers and education workers and providing the resources necessary to succeed in the classroom, and from what I've heard on the campaign trail, reducing class sizes. We also need to do a better job of raising awareness to existing resources for marginalized communities facing discrimination and hardship, as well as those struggling with mental health. These problems face our communities, and it’s important they are aware of the resources available to them. Lastly, I aim to push for expanding opportunities in athletics, arts and extracurricular to improve experiential learning.

Modernizing our classrooms is critical. I am very against AI in the classroom, and from what I've heard from almost every single person and parent I've spoken to - they are in agreement. However, that being said, I do believe we need to prepare students for AI, learning the strengths and weaknesses of it and technology as a whole, and how the workforce is changing. The main component of this point is an increased emphasis on promoting and expanding opportunities in skilled trades, STEM, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. I think we've been focusing on the wrong areas, and it's time to get back the basics. Our steadily and rapidly declining standardized testing and EQAO scores are a testament to this. Our students are tomorrow's leaders, and we need to maintain strong academic foundations and expectations for student achievement.

Last but certainly not least, parental and community empowerment. I will be a trustee who listens. We need an advocate for the people, who regularly engages with parents, students, educators and the community as a whole. Someone who will bring concerns directly to the school board, and communicates clearly about important decisions. A trustee is someone who works for the people as a voice for the people. I will listen to my constituents and advocate on their behalf.

Our students are preparing for a rapidly changing world, and they deserve a trustee who is energetic, innovative, and willing to ask difficult questions when needed. This is why I am running for school board trustee, to be the change we need for our school board.