Corina Parisien of Vankleek Hill is the first candidate to declare her run to be Trustee for Ward 10 of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB).
Parisien is a mother of two children, ages 16 and 10, who attend UCDSB schools. By day, she is a federal government employee. She is also the current Chair of the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute parent council.
“I’ve always had an interest to go higher, help more – not just necessarily at my children’s schools,” said Parisien.
When the elections came around this time, she decided to seize the opportunity to venture into her first-ever political campaign, aiming to represent her constituents and parents at the board level.
What’s her priority? “I want to bring more community into schools, and schools into the community.” To explain that, she gives the example of volunteer fairs she has helped organize in her role on parent council, along with increased collaboration between schools.
She also talks about innovation. “I want to make sure our schools out here remain innovative and that we are able to prepare the current generation and new generation of students [so they] are ready and trained for the jobs of the future,” said Parisien.
She notes that she would work to make sure the schools in her ward receive the same opportunities as those close to the Board itself, which is located in Brockville.
The current Trustee for Ward 10 is Caroll Carkner who has confirmed that she will not be running again for the position.
Voters will head to the polls for municipal elections across Ontario on October 22. The nomination period for candidates is open until July 27th.
