All trustee races

Catholic school trustee: Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, representing Barrie wards 1, 2, 3 and 5. You vote in this race only if you are a supporter of this school board.

2 certified candidates, listed alphabetically by last name.

Candidates

Susan van Amelsvoort

Incumbent
Background
Barrie resident since 1988; parent of five children who attended SMCDSB schools. Catholic trustee for four years, two as vice-chair and currently chair. Former president of Canadian Parents for French, Simcoe County chapter (2014-2019); long-time school council member.
Other stated priorities
No stated priorities found.
Public record
Not yet reviewed.
Contact
Profile sources: City of Barrie [S001]; Campaign [S195]

Justin Heran

Background
Lifelong Barrie resident and graduate of SMCDSB schools. SMCDSB trustee from 2003 to 2010. Real estate and land development entrepreneur for 24 years; honours degree in political science and history from King's College.
Other stated priorities
No stated priorities found.
Public record
Not yet reviewed.
Contact
Profile sources: City of Barrie [S001]; BarrieToday [S182]

Compare positions

Each issue lists every candidate in the same alphabetical order.

School funding and budgets

Susan van Amelsvoort
Protect the constitutional right to Catholic education and secure its funding; manage resources carefully.
Source: Campaign [S195]
Justin Heran
Prioritize fiscal responsibility.
Source: BarrieToday [S182]

School capacity and new schools

Susan van Amelsvoort
No stated position found.
Justin Heran
Supports the board's long-term accommodation plan for new schools and renovations in growing communities, with data-driven decisions.
Source: BarrieToday [S182]

Special education and student supports

Susan van Amelsvoort
No stated position found.
Justin Heran
No stated position found.

Student safety and mental health

Susan van Amelsvoort
No stated position found.
Justin Heran
Schools that are safe and welcoming to all.
Source: BarrieToday [S182]

Busing and transportation

Susan van Amelsvoort
No stated position found.
Justin Heran
No stated position found.

Programs, curriculum and parents’ role

Susan van Amelsvoort
Keep Catholic identity strong; continue expanding programs such as milk subsidies, Pathways to Education events and French-language exchanges.
Source: Campaign [S195]
Justin Heran
Protect essential programs and strengthen Catholic identity, with equity and inclusion.
Source: BarrieToday [S182]

Transparency and board accountability

Susan van Amelsvoort
Listen and bring community concerns to the board; strengthen partnerships between families and schools.
Source: Campaign [S195]
Justin Heran
Regularly review and report on progress; promises to answer every message within 24 hours.
Source: BarrieToday [S182]