Cathy Dandy is the mother of two children who attend public schools and one who has graduated from public school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from York University and has completed course work for her Masters degree at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE/ University of Toronto). An education advocate for more than 10 years, Cathy served for six years as Spokesperson and Coordinator for the Toronto Parent Network (TPN) before being elected to the Toronto District School Board in 2006. Cathy is a strong believer in supporting the many learning needs of students. The vision she brings to the TDSB is one of schools as integrated centres of community where a host of programs and services can be delivered to children, youth, and families. Before being elected to the TDSB, Cathy had extensive experience in education and the community including:

• Spokesperson and Coordinator, Toronto Parent Network (2000-2006)
  
• Toronto Parent Network Representative, Mayor's Roundtable on Children, Youth and Education (2005-2006)
  
• Board Member, Community Care East York (2004-2005)
  
• Board Member, Everdale Environmental Learning Centre (2004-2005)
  
• TDSB Pathways/At Risk Task Force (2004)
  
• TDSB Environmental Policy Implementation Team (2004)
  
• TDSB Criminal Reference Check Committee (2003)
  
• TDSB Workplace Harassment Committee (2002)
  
• Co-chair, Campaign for Public Education (2001-2003)
  
• Board Member, Metro Network for Social Justice (2000-2001)
  
• Steering Committee Member, People for Education (1996-2000)

Since being elected, Cathy has continued to be a strong advocate for students and public schools.  She has worked to preserve school pools, raise awareness of child and youth mental health needs, make schools hubs of community and keep commercial advertising out of schools.  Every day she helps parents and students from Ward 15 navigate the system and advocate for what they need.  Since December 2010 she has been the Vice-Chair of the Board.

At the June 22 Board meeting, Trustees approved a balanced budget for 2011-2012.

The first study is out on the Late Start High School project in Ward 15.  Read the news coverage here.

On a motion of Trustees Dandy and Goodman, the Board of Trustees declares itself a Gay-Straight Alliance.

The Globe and Mail reports on great work being done at one of our schools: The City Adult Learning Centre.