English Montreal School Board elections

Mario Pasteris worked for 35 years in the educational system. He has resided in the Town of Mount-Royal for 25 years and his daughter attended Carlyle School. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from McGill University.

Pasteris’ was, among others, professor, executive director of EPOC Montreal, a center for young dropouts, education advisor and human resources trainer for the International Air Transportation Association. This last assignment enabled him to visit various countries including Oman and Kuwait. "I also bring that with me; a greater sensitivity to other cultures," he said.

Well aware of the reality of Town of Mount-Royal schools, Pasteris intends to be a commissioner who listens to the community. Transparency, rigorous management and being accessible to voters are his watchwords. "We have a responsibility to the community,” he said. “Education is vital. It is something that we never lose; it is training for life. It is necessary to develop our young people through education so that they become good citizens."

Various challenges await Town of Mount-Royal schools. "It is necessary to increase the number of students,” said Pasteris. “In the district, Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle have two different vocations. [... ] It is necessary to keep these schools open and vibrant. They must listen to the needs of the community."

As school commissioner Leaman wishes to support a great transparency within the EMSB and to establish a more open cooperation with parents. "They are the first teachers, they know the needs of their children, she said. I want to be accessible to parents and taxpayers. They will be able to share their concerns with me."

Safe schools and adapted to the needs of students are priorities for Leaman. "The students of today will be the workers of tomorrow,” she said. “As a society, we must support them and ensure that they successfully complete their studies."

For Leaman, it is a priority that the doors of Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle schools remain open. In addition, she intends to support the interaction and the contacts between the two schools.

Lastly, according to Leaman, it is of primary importance to encourage voters to take an interest in the school elections. "We must look at the school system on the whole and decide its direction together," she said.

Residing in the borough of Saint-Laurent, Durafourt wishes to maintain quality teaching in the public schools. "Carlyle is really a good school and I want to be certain that it will remain open, he said. I want to work so that Carlyle and Dunrae Gardens remain open. There is much work to do so that the public schools continue to give quality education for all students."

According to Durafourt, parents are privileged partners. He had been pounding the pavement to meet the greatest possible number of voters and says his youth does not constitute an obstacle because he represents a rising generation of leaders.