My name is Cindy Desclouds-Simpson. Teacher, Principal, Executive Director, Volunteer, wife, and proud parent of two daughters (who are graduates of the OCSB) are all hats that I have worn during my over 40 years of experience in Catholic Education. As the incumbent (trustee for the last 4 years) I am seeking re-election for the position of Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee for Zone 10.
My extensive experiences in education as a teacher and principal, including holding a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, managing a corporation (including Finance, HR, Legal, Building, IT, Risk Management) board of directors (governance) and participation in a variety of provincial and city wide mental health tables (including achieving mental health agency accreditation) have made me a valuable decision making voice at the Ottawa Catholic Board of Trustees.
I hope I can count on your support on October 24, 2022 so that I can continue the work I have started with our Board.
RE-ELECT
Cindy Desclouds-Simpson
CURRENT TRUSTEE - ZONE 10
Ottawa Catholic School Board
Ward 12 – Rideau-Vanier
Ward 13 – Rideau-Rockcliffe
Ward 14 – Somerset
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Phone:
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School visits are one of the best parts of my role
During my past term of office...
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term as Trustee for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. I have had the honour of working with a group of capable and dedicated trustees who embody the word “team”.
We have
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worked collaboratively with our Director and Senior Administration team to find innovative solutions to often complex questions posed by the global pandemic
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aligned our budget priorities with our strategic plan and have delivered a balanced budget throughout my term of office
I have
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spoken to many parents whom I have met at various school events and spoken with on the phone during my term. I seek to respond to their concerns in a timely manner and represent their views and concerns at the Board table
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been the trustee of the virtual elementary and virtual high schools, and experienced first hand the ingenuity and resourcefulness of staff and the flexible, clever and creative adaptability of students. I feel honoured to be associated with these inspired schools
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served on various board-wide and city wide committees liaising and working collaboratively with stakeholders with extensive business and educational expertise
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had the opportunity, through provincial and federal Catholic trustee associations, to network with individuals with similar passions for Catholic education
Priorities for my next term of office...
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Represent my constituents by listening to issues, providing prompt support in finding solutions to challenges and representing their views at the school board table
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Develop/Implement a Strategic Plan that is reflected in our balanced budget priorities
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Develop Catholic Social teachings and gospel values
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Implement the OCSB Mental Health and Well-Being strategy
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Implement the OCSB Equity, Diversity and Inclusion framework
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Pandemic recovery - academic and mental health support
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Deep learning - connecting students with the world and its people in new, creative, collaborative ways
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Engagement of parent groups (Parent Involvement Committee, Ottawa Catholic School Parents’ Association, Special Education Advisory Committee) in collaborative decision making particularly with regard to budget allocations
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Engagement with students specifically my fellow student trustees, the Student Senate, the Black Student Forum, the Indigenous Student Forum and school based Gay, Straight Alliances to enable them to have an authentic voice in shared decision making.
As a successful candidate I will continue to work hard to represent my constituents and use my experience and good judgment to make fiscally responsible decisions that benefit the entire Ottawa Catholic School Community.
Promote life-long learning
Awards and Honours
My volunteer work with the United Way of Ottawa, greater Ottawa community, and community agencies afforded me the “Community Builder of the Year for Growing Up Great” award in 2015.
I am honoured that my name is featured on the Community Builders Wall of Fame at Ottawa City Hall.
I was also nominated by my teaching staff, and awarded the OCSB Director of Education Commendation in 2009.
Work Experience in Education
My work experience in education at the school level is varied:
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20 years spent in the classroom teaching grade one to grade thirteen at the Ottawa Catholic School Board;
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13 years spent as a school administrator; vice principal/principal at three different schools in our school board; and
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numerous committees at the board level including mentoring new principals.
My work experience in education and mental health at a community agency:
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6 years as Executive Director at Youville Centre -- a renowned non-profit organization financed through the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and corporate and personal donations.
Youville Centre, nestled in Sandy Hill is:
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an accredited high school for pregnant and parenting youth
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an accredited mental health and addiction centre (receiving accreditation during my tenure)
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a licensed child development centre aimed at helping babies/toddlers meet their developmental milestones.
This experience not only enhanced my repertoire of special education knowledge, but also expanded my experience in the area of infant, child and youth mental health and addiction services.
Networks and Committees
As a principal I participated in numerous board wide committees including:
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Principals and Vice Principals Association
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Principals’ Mentorship Program
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Co-Chaired Board Wide United Way Campaign for 5 years
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Co-Developed Board Wide Mentorship Program for Aspiring Leaders
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Numerous Curriculum Writing Committees
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Public Speaking Committee
These board wide committees helped me develop my “big picture” view to implementing change, problem solving and curriculum development and assessment.
As Executive Director I served on numerous city wide and provincial networks and committees including:
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The Child and Youth Mental Health Network of Ottawa which allowed me to become familiar with all Child and Youth Mental Health Centres in the Ottawa-Carleton area.
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The Young Parent Association of Ottawa
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The Ontario Young Parent Network
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The Infant and Young Child Mental Health Steering Committee of Ottawa (founding member) which gave me the opportunity to develop cross-sectoral experience with mental health and educational leaders from across the province including:
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Youth Services Bureau
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Crossroads Children Centres
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Ottawa Catholic School Board
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The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
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Ottawa Public Health
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Wabano Indigenous Health and Cultural Centre
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CHEO
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Sick Kids hospitals
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During our pandemic recovery period expertise in mental health programming and services will be very important.
During my term as trustee, as well as attending all board meetings, I have served on the following committees:
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Member, Trustee Support Services
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Director, Ottawa Catholic Child Care Corporation
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Director, Ottawa Student Transportation Authority
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Chairperson, Student Suspension and Expulsion Committee
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Alternate Member, Special Education Advisory Committee
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Member, Director’s Performance Appraisal Committee
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Member, Canadian and Ontario Catholic Trustees’ Associations
As an educator with extensive experience my thoughts and opinions on these various committees have made a significant difference especially during these last two challenging years of a global pandemic.
ZONE 10 - Ward Maps
