Leading any organization whose mandate is to challenge something as well entrenched as Ontario’s publicly-funded education system is bound to involve more than a few frustrations. Nonetheless, being OQE’s President for the past eight years has, on the whole, been a very gratifying experience. I have had the privilege to meet and work with some very bright people intent on telling anyone who will listen that we CAN and MUST do better in our schools.

          There is always a danger when thanking specific individuals that some of those not named may feel slighted. But I know, because of their special contributions, that I can thank Malkin Dare and Dr. Mark Holmes without any fear of this happening. Malkin’s tireless research work and the high standards she maintains for the OQE newsletter have contributed mightily to establishing OQE’s credibility and enhancing our ability to influence the education agenda. I’m also personally very appreciative of her patience and good humour regarding my tardiness in getting the President’s Messages to her.

          I had already been involved in “education reform” in Manitoba and Ontario for ten years when I first met Mark Holmes in the very early 90’s. It took only one meeting with him to enable me to put most of the pieces of the educational puzzle together and to convince me that OQE was the place to be. Mark is highly regarded by many of the key players in the “system,” even those who disagree with him. His experience and knowledge have guided many of our discussions and added weight to submissions OQE has made to a parade of commissions and task forces.

          What I have also found personally gratifying is having been able to inform people, often through the media, that there IS another side to the education debate. That there ARE parents who want higher standards and more, but better, testing. That there are many citizens who believe that giving our schools more money to do more of the same ineffective things isn’t going to improve the learning results of students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It has been an honour to champion the rights of these parents to be heard and (sometimes) heeded.

          Newly-acquired responsibilities at my day job have made it impossible for me to carry on as president. I am heartened to be able to pass the torch to someone as capable and committed as Nancy Wagner. The future of OQE is in good hands. Please continue to support her and the organization with your membership renewals and your ideas, something that I promise to do to the fullest extent that time allows. Thank you.