Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Three candidates are seeking two positions representing Middlesex County on the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) in the October 26 municipal election.
Bev Noble, Bill Tichenoff and Christian Sachs are competing for the opportunity to represent local students, families and schools during the next four-year term.
Both Noble and Tichenoff bring extensive backgrounds in education, having worked as teachers and school administrators. In their responses to The Middlesex Banner, they identified several challenges facing the public education system, including special education supports, school safety, funding pressures and student well-being. Both also emphasized the importance of listening to families and advocating for students at the board level.
The Middlesex Banner contacted all three candidates to provide an opportunity to share their backgrounds, priorities and perspectives. While Noble and Tichenoff submitted responses, candidate Sachs did not respond to repeated emails and telephone calls. Nevertheless, her candidacy is included to ensure readers are informed of all three individuals seeking election.
Why are you running for TVDSB trustee and what experience or perspective would you bring to the role?
Bev Noble: Being a trustee has been a goal for me since retirement. Now seems to be the time. As a long- time resident of Middlesex County, (43 year) my roles as a teacher and principal, a parent and now grandparent, I have a passionate interest in public education and in ensuring that our students have the best learning environment possible.
I was an elementary school principal in Thames Valley for 13 years, which included Adelaide W.G. MacDonald near Strathroy. For two years, I was the “System Principal” for Special Education for the entire board. Serving on three different non-profit Boards, two of which supported families and schools broadened my understanding of Board Governance. I have volunteered at Wilberforce Public School for 11 years and I am currently a member of Lucan Biddulph Parks and Recreation Committee and the Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee.
Bill Tichenoff: I am running for Trustee as I see this moment in time for the Board is actually a fresh start. With a new CEO in place and hopefully an end to Provincial takeover, a new Board is necessary to avoid making mistakes or decisions that make more challenges. I have nearly 40- years-experience in education, in the public system and in the federal system. I have been a teacher, a principal, and director of a First Nation education services. I have been a long-standing and effective advocate for students and families dealing with special education issues, and students and families from First Nation communities. We need to look at the system as a whole and address the issues that lead to misalignment throughout the organization.
What do you believe are the most important issues currently facing students, families and schools in the communities you would represent and how would you work to address them as a trustee?
Noble: I believe the most critical issues facing students, families and communities are Safe Schools, Special Education Supports and providing Quality Programs to meet the needs of the student. The reality is that cuts in funding by the Ontario Government and a serious disconnect between the Ministry of Education and the realities of running a school and a large board are causing challenges in providing support for all students and confusion at the Board level.
As trustee, I would call attention regularly to these issues at Board meetings and in discussions with government officials. Listening to parents’ concerns and advocating for students and families at the Board level is one of the most important tasks for a trustee.
Tichenoff: Many issues abound in TVDSB. Special Education supports, sufficient funding, Safe Schools, student and staff mental health, and student achievement seem to be the most significant issues. My role will be to listen and ask questions with students, parents, staff and at the Board table with the hope of influencing decisions that will be in the best interest for all.
