Catholic Trustee for
Aurora, King, & Whitchurch-Stouffville
York Catholic District School Board
Whenever I get the opportunity to visit a school or attend a graduation I am thankful for being able to witness the gift of publicly funded Catholic education in York Region. This is what Catholic schools are all about: student achievement and spiritual growth founded in the knowledge that we are wonderfully made in the image of God. As our boulevard signs proclaim: We are Diverse, We are One in Christ.
December 2023 will mark 29 years as a York Catholic DSB trustee. During these years I have witnessed many changes in pedagogy, funding and Provincial Policy but the global COVID pandemic transformed how we teach and how our students learn. It is timely that the trustees of the York Catholic DSB approved a Multi-Year Strategic Plan for 2023-28 at the June Board meeting. Based on our extensive consultation we have revised our Mission, Vision and Strategic Commitments:
Mission: With Jesus Christ as our model, we provide all students with a Catholic education rooted in equity, well-being and learning.
Vision: A recognized leader in Catholic education committed to inclusion, excelllence and innovation that develops socially responsible global citizens.
Strategic Commitments:
Catholic Faith, Equity and Inclusion, Student Achievement. Well-Being
At the same meeting we passed a deficit budget of approximately $12M ($627M Operating Expenses). This was after making cuts to special education, custodians, central adminiatration, and snow removal contracts. The drivers of the deficit include: declining enrolment at the elementary panel, supply costs and pay equity for our CUPE 2331 employees. The projected decline in enrolment is 900 pupils and that is equivalent to 2 full elementary schools. The reasons for this decline are multi-faceted: less Catholics as a percentage of population in York Region, unaffordability of housing, couples delaying starting families, etc. As long as there is a moratorium on school closures, the Board is unable to ‘right-size” our schools. In the fall we will have to file a Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan.
Despite the pressures, the Board continues to invest in mental health initiatives and a continued focus on health and safety, including increased cleaning and ventilation standards. We are also implementing the Ministry’s new math and literacy curriculums.
I am honoured to continue to serve the parents and students of Aurora, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville. My commitment to you is to provide safe, inclusive schools where students grow in their faith and develop their God-given talents. Being a trustee is my only job and therefore I am always available by phone or by email.....to answer questions, provide advice or direction, and most importantly to advocate for those whose concerns have not been heard. I am committed to ensuring that the schools in my community are treated fairly and that parents, students, and staff have a voice.
I pride myself on being an accessible and accountable representative, advocating and serving both my local constituents and the Catholic community of York Region. Please follow me on Facebook and on Twitter where I post information related to our Catholic Faith, Catholic Education, as well as school and Board initiatives.
As a Catholic, I see being a trustee as my vocation in life, to serve my Catholic community by building a strong Catholic school system, that graduates students who are called to serve The Lord and one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Vocation Prayer
Lord, grant that I may know the vocation for which
Thou hast destined me from all eternity
Give me the courage to embrace it generously
And to be faithful to it.
From this moment I abandon myself to Your Holy will. Amen”
St. Mary CES in Nobleton 25th Anniversary
My commitment to providing Catholic Education that serves the unique needs of every child while minimizing the impact of chronic under-funding
My promise to approve a Strategic Plan that puts Catholic Education, Student Achievement and Accountability at the forefront of all decision making
Multi-use Facility in Stouffville
My commitment to providing safe learning environments while working with community partners to maximize opportunities for students
Christmas 2022
Experienced Leadership that is Accountable and Approachable
“Principled, passionate and a fierce advocate for all her unique communities are the words I would use to describe Elizabeth Crowe. I’ve come to discover that she is first and foremost committed fully to her faith and to the students and parents she serves. Catholic education needs people like Elizabeth, who will without reservation defend our system and has the know how and wisdom to continue to push it forward. With major projects like the new Stouffville schools and the change in government, York Catholic needs strong leaders like Elizabeth with experience, dedication and a proven track record of transparency, accountabilty and success.”
“Elizabeth has always demonstrated exceptionally high standards for our school and our students. Her years of experience have been evident and appreciated as she has provided the St. Mary Catholic School Council with advice and support over the years. Elizabeth is a dedicated professional who ensures that St. Mary parents are apprised of key school board policies and future goals, especially those that may impact our school. She participates in school council meetings and school events and we have come to know her and appreciate her insight and guidance over the years.”