Platform 2024-2028

1. Defending English Education and Linguistic Rights
Team Joe Ortona stands as a firm advocate for the English-speaking community and its schools. The team will:

• Challenge Bills 21, 40, and 96: Continue the legal battles against these laws that undermine the constitutional rights of Quebec’s English-speaking population, especially in the domains of school governance and language rights.
• Support for Court Cases: Remain committed to EMSB’s involvement in court cases, ensuring that the English school system retains autonomy and decision-making power.
• Protect Bilingualism: Champion the value of bilingualism in Quebec by advocating for policies that support the right to learn and function in both French and English.

2. Ensuring Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in Schools
Team Joe Ortona believes that every student should feel safe, included, and supported, regardless of their background. Key initiatives include:

• Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Programs: Expand initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all EMSB schools. Focus on anti-racism, anti-bullying, and anti-discrimination programs, ensuring that students of all races, religions, and abilities thrive.
• Support for Special Needs Students: Strengthen programs for students with special needs by increasing funding for specialized services and ensuring access to mental health resources.
• Inclusive Curriculum: Work towards a more inclusive curriculum that reflects the diverse backgrounds of the student body, including cultural and linguistic diversity.

3. Advocating for Mental Health and Well-Being
Student well-being remains a cornerstone of Team Joe Ortona’s platform. Priorities include:

• Mental Health Support: Enhance access to mental health resources in schools by hiring more counselors and psychologists. Ensure that each school has programs addressing stress, anxiety, and emotional resilience.
• Anti-Bullying Campaigns: Continue the strong stance against bullying in all forms, with specific programs that address online bullying, peer support initiatives, and bystander intervention training.
• Wellness Programs: Promote holistic student wellness through physical activity, healthy eating programs, and extracurricular engagement.

4. Modernizing and Improving Infrastructure
Ensuring that schools provide modern and safe learning environments is a key priority. The team will:

• Upgrading School Facilities: Advocate for continued infrastructure investment to renovate and modernize aging school buildings, making them safer, greener, and better equipped for 21st-century learning.
• Technology Integration: Increase access to technology in classrooms by investing in digital tools, e-learning platforms, and training for teachers in new educational technologies.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Implement green building practices and sustainability initiatives in all schools to promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

5. Enhancing Educational Quality and Innovation
The EMSB must prepare students for the future with innovative, high-quality education. Team Joe Ortona will:

• STEM and STEAM Initiatives: Increase support for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs across all schools to prepare students for future careers in these growing fields.
• Vocational Training and Career Paths: Expand vocational training options, partnerships with local businesses, and career development programs to provide students with real-world skills and job readiness.
• Teacher Support and Professional Development: Ensure teachers receive continuous professional development opportunities, focusing on integrating new teaching methods, technologies, and student engagement strategies.

6. Strengthening Community Involvement and Governance
Building strong relationships between schools, parents, and communities is crucial. The team will:

• Strengthen Parent Engagement: Improve channels of communication with parents by fostering more transparent and open relationships between schools and families. Expand the role of parent committees and encourage active participation in school governance.
• Community Partnerships: Foster partnerships with local community organizations, businesses, and post-secondary institutions to offer students more opportunities for mentorship, internships, and real-world learning experiences.
• Transparent School Governance: Promote transparent decision-making by ensuring all school board meetings, budgets, and policies are accessible and easy for the public to follow.

7. Preserving Small Schools and Neighborhood Institutions
Team Joe Ortona is committed to keeping small, community-based schools open. The platform will focus on:

• Opposing School Closures: Stand firm against any provincial attempts to close English schools, especially those that serve small, tight-knit communities.
• Promoting Enrollment Growth: Develop strategies to encourage enrollment in English schools, such as targeted recruitment and partnerships with community organizations to raise awareness of the EMSB’s offerings.
• Early Childhood Education: Expand early childhood education programs to ensure a solid foundation for lifelong learning and retain students within the English system from a young age.

8. Advocating for Post-Secondary Institutions
Recognizing the vital role post-secondary education plays, Team Joe Ortona will:

• Support English CEGEPs and Universities: Advocate for English post-secondary institutions such as Dawson College, Concordia University, and McGill University, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to continue providing world-class education.
  Oppose Restrictions on CEGEP Access: Oppose measures that would limit access to English CEGEPs, defending the right of students to choose their post-secondary education in English.

9. Financial Responsibility and Accountability
The team is dedicated to managing public funds responsibly to ensure that resources are maximized for student benefit. Priorities include:

• Balanced Budget: Commit to a balanced budget while ensuring that essential programs and services are fully funded.
  Transparency in Spending: Maintain transparency in all financial decisions, ensuring that the community understands how funds are being used and that all spending aligns with the board’s educational priorities.
• Efficient Use of Resources: Focus on optimizing resources to improve classroom experiences, while reducing waste and unnecessary spending.

Team Joe Ortona’s platform for 2024-2028 is built on a foundation of defending English education, improving student well-being, modernizing schools, and fostering community engagement. With a continued focus on equity, inclusion, and innovation, the team is committed to ensuring that the EMSB remains a strong, vibrant institution that empowers students to succeed in an increasingly complex world