Long-serving Peel District School Board chair
Janet McDougald says she has no intention of turning down fellow trustees' desire to
honour her by giving her name to a school in her neighbourhood. Supplied photo

Three schools were closed and merged into one.  Students were shifted to an overcrowded temporary building.  Frustrating delays have plagued construction of the new one.

Then, without warning, in a private trustee vote last week the new school’s name was changed from Hartsdale Avenue to Janet McDougald public school, in honour of a current trustee and longtime chair of the Peel District School Board.

The move particularly upset parents Randy and Helen O’Malley, who slammed the board for its secretiveness and for making the change in the middle of the school year.

They also recalled talks early on about naming the new school after Lydia Renahan — a well-known principal who had been chosen to lead Hartsdale, but who died of cancer earlier this year.  The O’Malleys say parents were told at the time that the board no longer names schools after people.

Plus, the name Hartsdale Avenue school followed board regulations that gives top priority to the street name.

“There was never any talk that Hartsdale was a temporary name — quite the opposite,” said Randy O’Malley.

He and his wife have started a petition asking McDougald to turn down the honour.  So far, they have 30-plus online signatories and more on a paper petition circulating.

“The principal and teachers worked with students to come up with a mascot and motto and flag and school colours all based on the Hartsdale name; we have the Hartsdale Husky,” he said.

In an interview, McDougald said she was surprised and honoured by the decision by fellow trustees on the board, who did not let on that they were going to rename the school — located in the neighbourhood where McDougald grew up, raised her own family and still lives.  She said she has “no intention of declining this honour.”

McDougald has been chair for the past 14 years, the longest serving in Greater Toronto.

“The board decided this was perfect, this opportunity was absolutely one in a million — to get a brand new school in the south end of my community.”

When asked about the complaints, the 23-year trustee acknowledged the upheaval the community has gone through.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion,” she added.  “It’s unfortunate that people chose to make it so public an opinion rather than calling me ... I’ve always been an accessible, approachable trustee.”

McDougald said she has received many calls of support.  She said she does not want the school’s mascot or anything else to change.

Parent council co-chair Jason Lassaline, who has a child in kindergarten, said he doesn’t care what the name is.

“I’m more concerned about the quality of education students are getting,” he said, adding the board could have done a better job communicating with parents.

O’Malley said he has nothing against McDougald, and in fact voted for her in the last election.  But, he said, “the democratic process was hijacked.”

While other boards in Greater Toronto seek community input when naming or renaming schools, Peel trustees do not, and typically make the decision in private.

Naming rules

The Peel board's rules around naming schools, in order of priority:

 •  The name of the street on which they are located

 •  If that name is not appropriate, the name of the area/community it will serve

 •  A historical name that once applied to or is connected with the area

 •  at the discretion of the board, the name of a distinguished member of the community, or other worthy individual not of the community,
    but deserving recognition.

Names are decided by a majority vote of trustees.

Source: Peel District School Board

Comments by others - 71 - to this web-page at time of posting;

And one more thing...

None of this debate would be taking place if the board would have just used common sense by either transferring the Neil C Matheson name to the new school or kept it as the street name which is currently the accepted practice. Many of the stated character traits and accomplishments of Ms. McDougal equally applied to Mr. Matheson 39 years ago when the school was named after him. I'm surprised there has not been a debate about the preservation of history and the name of a very good man. What will Ms. McDougal's grandchildren think if, 39 years from now, her name is replaced through a similar process.

Submitted by mdmiller         at 4:27 PM Friday, December 09 2011

Neil C Matheson

There have been several comments that a school could be named after a teacher or principal before it is named after a sitting politician. In fact this was already done 39 years ago when Neil C Matheson Junior Public School was given its name in a special ceremony on June 25, 1972. As stated in a Lakeview history book, it was named for a very dedicated man who had spent 33 years serving Lakeview Schools. Mr. Matheson was a very respected and dedicated principal in Lakeview for 33 years. One of the schools that was replaced by Hartsdale Avenue school was Neil C Matheson Junior Public School. So, in fact, MacDougald's name is replacing an existing one. Apparently, nobody at the board is interested in preserving history or his name.

Submitted by mdmiller         at 7:00 PM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 1

ONline petition - please pass it on!!

http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/stop-hartsdale-avenue-public-school-from-being-renamed/607

Submitted by hio         at 4:36 PM Thursday, December 08 2011

Call your trustee!

Ask them why they thought it was a good idea to propose her name. Any incentive for them to do this or please Janet? Remember, she not only acts as a trustee but ALSO is the Chair of the Peel Board, a major spokesperson. It should be them that we should be hearing from, not her. I sense a conflict of interest but issues like secret name changes and others can pass through because the system relies on low voter turnouts and acclamations. I

Submitted by shroeder         at 11:37 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 1

Perspective...

Get a grip. SHe never said she was running for mayor--that was someone's post. And the role earns 25 K a year--no benefits. A couple of facts would be good. But no need to let the facts confuse a good rant. There is a person behind all this--and I am shocked by the cruelty of some posts

Submitted by Glamorgan Way         at 9:58 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 1 - Disagree 2

NO to names of politicians on schools ..

This is ridiculous, so the proposal could only be coming from a pampered insulated overpaid school board. The lady is lucky to have a high salary and benefits -- naming the school after her is WRONG. Though her ego interprets this as an 'honour', we know it opens the door to more naming of PUBLIC property for politicians whose demands on the public are immense while they sit in their pubicly funded offices, unaware of what they really cost.

Submitted by veeh         at 8:25 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 2 - Disagree 2

to the mayor's office

Using the public purse to pursue the mayor's office now? Shame. She is all that is being said and much worse. Her years as chair in Peel have been marred by racism, nepotism, teacher contracts that have given away the store and a failure to improve student achievement.

Submitted by snitchy         at 7:15 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 2 - Disagree 2

This is a disgrace, and abuse of power

Notwithstanding the FACT that the Peel Board violated its own rules for naming schools ... it's a monument to cronyism if this decision is not overturned. If you want to name a school after a person, perhaps there should be some clearly defined criteria ...??? (i.e. somebody who did more than sit at a desk? ... e.g. "Marc Diab was killed and four others injured when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle while on patrol northeast of Kandahar city.") www.marcdiab.com/biography.htm

Submitted by MacGregrrrr         at 6:45 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 3 - Disagree 2

New Policy

I urge the Ministry of Education to pass a new policy to take away certain powers from school boards and trustees. They abuse the Education Act to do what they please. Let`s go the European way and have province run schools. Why does each school board do things differently. Bottom line is this lady should never have a school name after her.

Submitted by jagpalla         at 12:22 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 3 - Disagree 2

Rules Broken

These trustees broke their own rules. This Janet MacDougald does not even care what the community thinks. She is forgetting that the community is the one that made her trustee. She is arrogant and self centered. This board has problems and it starts with the trustees.

Submitted by arjunram         at 12:19 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 3 - Disagree 1

Shame Shame !

Suggestion ! To Honour the Board Chairperson SECRETLY change the name of the Peel District School Board to McDougald Private Limited Company .

Submitted by Avninder Grewal         at 12:15 AM Thursday, December 08 2011

Agree 1 - Disagree 2

It is wrong

To name a school after someone who is living is a weird thing in the first place, that the person is on the board makes it all the more distasteful. If she had any integrity she would thank her colleagues for the nice gesture but refuse. As someone else suggested, why not name the school after a worthy teacher that left a mark in the community? That would have been a lot more appropriate and reek less of a self-serving attitude that stretches the bounds of good taste. Modesty died at some point, I'm not sure exactly when but it seems to have disappeared and was replaced by narcissism. Sad, really.

Submitted by newdaddy         at 11:11 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 3 - Disagree 1

Toadies

There is something incredibly toadying about naming a school after this woman. "Secret" vote my aunt fannie. You would think she was human enough to be mortified and immediately turn down the offer but no - she has no intention to. Next election vote the lot out and then change the school name to the correct one.

Submitted by clabberty         at 11:10 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 4 - Disagree 2

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber deserves to have a school named after him more than Janet McDougald! He has done more for society than our esteemed chair. The only thing he hasn't do get a school named after him is to become a trustee and feed the public with lies. Change a school to Justin Bieber Public School at least the young girls will be happy.

Submitted by jwhitney         at 11:03 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 2 - Disagree 4

What about all the teachers....

that worked all their lives actually nurturing, helping, teaching the children to get a school named after them. Fat chance. Here is one that would fit. McDougald as a definition in the new world dictionary after the slang "bimbo".

Submitted by bluebomber         at 10:50 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 10 - Disagree 2

My suspicions continue ...

Now that I have a child in the Peel system, I am slowly understanding the suspicions of others about how this Board runs its schools and staff. I am glad that the Peel board is getting such critical coverage so perhaps positive changes can be made.

Submitted by shroeder         at 10:35 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 12 - Disagree 1

secrets

What else is the board doing in secrecy? We need the Ministry to take over this board. They kicked out students that were getting death threats from teachers and now they are naming schools after themselves. These trustees are bad and they all should resign. It is time all communities in Peel come together and demand change of this public institution that we pay for. Change this board.

Submitted by guddasingh         at 10:27 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 12

Use a nickname

I agree with not naming buildings and such with the full names of people. The problem with this is who deserves the most recognition and on whose values are the criteria set? Now that this has been done, it's a tough situation -- how do you take it back without hurting someone? Sometimes new names just don't catch on -- we nickname buildings to reflect our relationship with it. How about doing that here? It can still have its official name, but people can use its affectionate name.

Submitted by Fair Trade         at 10:20 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 1 - Disagree 8

something is wrong

Something is wrong with this board. They continue to name schools after trustees. First Ruth Thompson, Beryl Ford and now Janet Macdougald. How about the teacher that has worked over 25 years and had given all his/her time to work with students and do extra duty. Will they ever get a school named after them? No chance the trustees vote for themeselves. Something is wrong.

Submitted by plhued         at 10:20 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 16 - Disagree 1

seriously?

Some of you people are pretty nasty about someone you don't know. So much for respect and kindness. Try to direct your passion to issues of importance.

Submitted by Glamorgan Way         at 9:30 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 4 - Disagree 15

no cost

It's a new building being built--so no sign on the school to replace. They will use up all the letterhead etc for Hartsdale. There is no cost to the change. Period.

Submitted by Glamorgan Way         at 9:25 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 1 - Disagree 16

I sure no school will be named after me.....

I'm the reason there's edible glue, nerfballs, and plastic safety scissors in schools

Submitted by Left Wingnut         at 9:24 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 11

Janet McDougald's name secretly chosen

Janet McDougald is widely hated in the Peel community for her self-serving interests. She is all about her name and fame. How foolish of her to accept the 'secret' school name change! Should she not resign and give new people a chance. She has done nothing positive for the children. I have been reading several articlesre Peel Board's untowardly attitude towards Grewal children and had a chance to view youtube tapes re widespread discrimination is the Peel Board. I have heard nasty stuff about her fromn most trustee and teachers. Janet really is a useless community member and should not be recognized.

Submitted by Luuuunnuuu         at 8:54 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 17 - Disagree 3

When I was a Kid

Schools were named by the area they were in. When did this naming of schools after people start and why? I think it is a silly trend. Naming schools after people that no one really has heard of does not make sense. It is only a self serving practice for the few folks involved.

Submitted by WOWBOY         at 7:51 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21

The name is important!

All she's done since she's been in Peel is exclude, isolate and marginalize the community. The same for Judith Nyman S.S. How is any school going to develop a mission around their values? What does the school have to live up to? What contributions nationally, internationally, globally? Exactly Nothing! It appears Peel recognises its own!

Submitted by jasmin         at 7:21 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 15 - Disagree 3

I like Hartsdale Huskys...

and as someone else pointed out.... McDougald Mutt's, not so much.

Submitted by bluebomber         at 7:09 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 11

so vote

You get what you vote for. You can't really complain if you didn't vote. Maybe more articles like this will inspire more.people to vote in these elections. Probably not though. I might run next election, I had a goldfish named Hank that I woukd love a school named after.

Submitted by qoop         at 6:45 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 11 - Disagree 1

Wow! Obviously Board chair Janet McDougald's fat ego is more important than serving the people!! Amazing how self serving this woman is... Perhaps this pile of bricks will be her lasting legacy... 'cause her character wouldn't stand the test of decency.

Submitted by Petjie         at 6:02 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 22 - Disagree 1

They've lost that loving feeling

We are closing schools becuase we lack funds. yet the management team spends their time, not reducing the operational costs and protectiong our education but plan to waste money. Changing a name is a waste of tax dollars. How many books or school supplies would be purchasaed if they did not buy the sign? shame on them

Submitted by avroe105         at 4:53 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 18 - Disagree 1

Talk about picking your battles! Let this one go.. it's such a minor thing. Why rain on her parade, this woman was probably really happy until these joykill nitpicking parents come along. Sheesh.

Submitted by stargazertwo         at 4:47 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 2 - Disagree 25

Come on......

Self serving, egos...how utterly silly. Protect students, teach kids, enough is enough!!

Submitted by JustOneCitizen         at 4:47 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 23

new name for the mascot...

McDougald the mutt!

Submitted by Vince A.         at 4:15 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 14 - Disagree 2

A bit self-serving ...

There apparently wasn't a need to change the name of the school BUT a group of trustees decide to change the name of a school to after one of their own to 'honour' that person. So who is the next trustee in line for the next school to be re-named. You have to ask who the trustees serve - the kids or themselves? Guess we know the answer now. I hope the parents get this overturned.

Submitted by zeekat         at 3:48 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21

So... Who will pay for all the effects of the name change?

The taxpayer.... again... that's who. So all of the instances where the school name will need to be changed... ie: letterheads, envelopes, registry documentation, websites... you can go on and on. Why not keep the same name, where the expense would not have to be undertaken? BECAUSE we have egos and a sense of entitlement that needs to be stroked. This woman is probably a very nice person (although with her comments, I am not so sure) ... who was also paid to do her job. HOW about recognizing other people, who did a lot for the community or our country, who was not paid but should be recognized? When other things are done in secrecy by politicians (particularly when it involves the educational system) there is an uproar by the teacher's union. WHERE IS THE UPROAR FROM THE TEACHER'S UNION ON THIS ONE? I am sure we would have heard one if it was to be called Harper Collegiate.

Submitted by Eggie         at 3:42 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 20 - Disagree 2

More school political stupidity

The audacity and stupidity of the school board to make such a name change to a trustee. It is hard to believe they did this given the rules of naming which are very fair and logical. The trustee no doubt has a big ego....otherwise she would have refused. The anger in the community I hope brings the school board to their senses to stop this nonsense.

Submitted by Saab4me         at 2:58 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 25

Bad precedent

Ideally, names should be changed as little as possible and certainly not without consultation. Schools, parks, etc., should not be named after living people unless the person being honoured is retiring/retired and/or has made an exceptional contribution (non-monetary) to the local community. A school trustee doesn't really cut it. Don't expect the name to stick or any sign to stay up.

Submitted by ljk         at 2:58 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21

So Basically She's Saying

Let Me Hear It For Me!

Submitted by Nite Owl         at 2:52 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21

First of all this trustee did not ask to have the school named after her - the board of trustees made the decision to honour her. Do you people really care about the name of the school your kids attend? Seems like a minor detail that doesn't warrant such ngative reactions. Lastly, there are several commenters out there who are just straight up anti politicians - so please stop looking at every article written as a chance to spew your useless political agendas ... one more thing to quote a previous commenter "get a life"

Submitted by Dippers         at 2:47 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 2 - Disagree 25

McDougald is ......

egotistical, arrogant entitlement.

Submitted by bluebomber         at 2:33 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21 - Disagree 2

Re secret school renaming

In my humble opinion the O'Malleys have too much time on their hands. I would be far more concerned in the quality of my child's education than whose name is on the school. In this day and age a schools name is of minor importance, As I've said it's the education that counts. Get a life.

Submitted by mildew         at 2:28 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 4 - Disagree 24

Money?

....so, there's money for all these bigheads on the Board to sit around and come up with this, and then go ahead and do it, but kids have to share textbooks, and pay out of pocket for sports equipment......brilliant!

Submitted by TedNes         at 2:06 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 19

Introducing McDougald Megalomaniacs

I feel badly for the students, parents, and decent people who put up with this behind the scenes, under the table, ego stroking. It's nice to see a select group of Mississaugans following Hazel McCallion's propensity for poor judgement and dismissing any need for transparency or public accountability. Parents, boycott any and all fundraising appeals until the name is changed back. This is disgusting.

Submitted by Miz Em         at 1:40 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 25

kdcb

Why don't you try posting an intelligent response! 'Grow up Folks' is the best you can do!? Firstly, the trustee's didn't follow their own guidelines. Secondly, they made the change in secret and lastly, they did it to patronize one of their own. School spirit is built around its name and that should not be the name of a citizen.

Submitted by Rolo         at 1:20 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 26 - Disagree 2

Rules is rules

At least for the rest of us. Put someone in charge of something, let them utter a few whispers to their friends about "Wouldn't it be nice if...." and the rules get broken. Oh the ego of politicians, no matter how meagre their status. Keep the previously agreed name for the school and let the trustees pay any expenses incurred out of their own pockets.

Submitted by aldwinian         at 12:08 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 25

Secret decision

Although the fact that changing the name of the school isn't a big deal, the fact that the decision was made in secret sets a troubling principle. What will be the next decision made in secret?

Submitted by Old Possum         at 12:07 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 29

Just Wrong

The name goes against board criteria. Anyway the trustee is merely a politician, at least go historic or better yet, name the school for a taxpayer

Submitted by Khyber         at 12:03 PM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 34

PLEASE REMEMBER

She's a paid politician and not a volunteer or a generous donator!! Why glorify them when it is their job to do what they are paid to do. This problem is extensive in Mississauga. The Burnhamthorpe library has a theatre named after a former councillor and why? Did they donate their free time or after-tax money to help the school/theatre/library? NO!! So find a REAL candidate not a paid stooge!!

Submitted by ZIGALITTLE         at 11:56 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 33

WOW

This is not the first time that trustees in Peel District School Board have name a school after themselves. Is this the reason why they are trustees? I would like to see them add a policy that allow parents and community members decide naming school and changing names. If they don't all trustees will have a school named after them. Wow this practice is really wrong and should be stopped right away.

Submitted by johnnyhow         at 11:54 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 30

Self-congratulatory crap

This is akin to the federal bureaucrats who run our airports changing the name of an airport to honour their boss. This is a self-congratulatory gesture that means little to those who are not involved in local schoolboard politics. Do the students know who this person is? Should they care? She is a career administrator, her contribution to the community has been performing her bureaucratic job for 15 years. Well, good job, but so what? Roberston Davies died in Peel region, honour him! Laurie Graham, Peel resident, went to 3 olympics and won 6 world cups! There are better candidates who the students would enjoy learning about.

Submitted by Malakellam         at 11:53 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 25 - Disagree 1

Self-congratulatory crap

This is akin to the federal bureaucrats who run our airports changing the name of an airport to honour their boss. This is a self-congratulatory gesture that means little to those who are not involved in local schoolboard politics. Do the students know who this person is? Should they care? She is a career administrator, her contribution to the community has been performing her bureaucratic job for 15 years. Well, good job, but so what? Roberston Davies died in Peel region, honour him! Laurie Graham, Peel resident, went to 3 olympics and won 6 world cups! There are better candidates who the students would enjoy learning about.

Submitted by Malakellam         at 11:52 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 29 - Disagree 1

secrecy

It is very sad that the name change was done is secrecy. Why would the trustees name a school after a fellow trustee. This is wrong and it even goes against their own polices. Naming schools after individuals should only be for great Canadians and should have community input. She would she want her name on the school when parents and community members do not want her name on the school.

Submitted by trvrmann         at 11:49 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 24

Talk about huge EGO

It should be illegal to name public property after living people, ideally only after 25 years after death. PS: I want Dorval and Malton back as well as all the other airports named after Liberal Hacks

Submitted by scottmc22         at 11:47 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 21

jenfrom toronto asks "Don't these parents have anything better to do than complain about a name change?" I think the real question should be: Don't these trustees have anything better to do than contemplate a name change?

Submitted by torontonianonce         at 9:54 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 76 - Disagree 2

worthy

She sounds like a worthy candidate. I would congratulate her on the honor and say the community is lucky to have her.

Submitted by cynthia         at 9:30 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 5 - Disagree 71

Vanity

I fear all the years of this trustee's service have been undone with her own unwavering reluctance to revisit the appropriateness of the name change. The rules are clear as to naming conventions and her cause is 4th on the list. I think nothing of import should bear the name of a living person to avoid future embarrassment should any scandal become unearthed. I'm sure McDougald is worthy of the accolade but why all the secrecy surrounding the decision? In so doing the board now has a PR nightmare on their hands and a controversial start for their new school. The trustee should have realized as much and taken the high road.

Submitted by Mariz         at 9:27 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 37

So the teams will be called

The "Macdougal Elitists" to convey the school boards wishes.

Submitted by westender         at 9:26 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 34

I don't recognize things named after politicians

YYZ is still Toronto International to me

Submitted by Sanity         at 9:25 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 25

It Is So Wrong, In So Many Ways...

I never understood this obsession with naming streets, schools and buildings after individuals. Having said that, this particular example is wrong in so many ways. First, naming a person still alive and, worse, still a Trustee looks like an "old boys club). Also, if this Trustee were caught in a scandal in the future (not unusual given the TCDSB scandal) it would be embarrassing. Second, the privacy aspect is disheartening to those looking at the Peel Board as a responsible agent of education. Finally, having better names available (street names for example) makes far more sense. Put all three reasons together and this looks bad...very bad...

Submitted by Larry Perlman         at 9:18 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 34

$$$$$

How much will the name change cost. It isn't free. In this day of shrinking budgets and tight money, a new name is hardly a priority to the public, no matter how much the school board wants to glorify one of it's own.

Submitted by builder.m         at 8:37 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 84 - Disagree 5

What's in a name?

Don't these parents have anything better to do than complain about a name change? I agree with the parent who is more concerned with the quality of his child's schooling than with whatever they call the school. A rose by any other name and all that...

Submitted by jenfromtoronto         at 8:25 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 8 - Disagree 77

School for scandal

This is a succinct example of the problem in today's school system: self indulgence.

Submitted by builder.m         at 7:24 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 35 - Disagree 1

Hey Janet, arrogant much?

So how far does your cult of personality go? How about a street? A library? An airport? Sounds to me like you'll make an excellent additinoal to the Liberal Party of Canada. They love people who makes secret deals behind closed doors without reguard for public thought. They love power hungry arrogant control freaks.

Submitted by Straight Shooter         at 7:19 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 30 - Disagree 8

GROW UP FOKS

The name changes and is done so in the middle of the year. SO WHAT. Your children are there to earn and be taught. The school name should not be relevant to the purpose. You are more childish than your kids.

Submitted by kdcb         at 7:08 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 3 - Disagree 42

Vanity, thy name is ...

And people wonder why there's no "sense of community"? It's because of decisions like this, where the community is completely ignored and left out of the decision process (e.g. once upon a time, there were hockey rinks named "Cedarvale", "Keelesdale", and "Forest Hill Memorial" ... until the politicians got involved and renamed them after themselves. I'd much rather see schools named after REAL heroes, NOT people who simply earned a living off of taxpayers' dollars ...)

Submitted by MacGregrrrr         at 6:44 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 40 - Disagree 1

Nothing like a closed door vote..............

on a public institutions naming! Oh how politicians love to back slap one another!

Submitted by ronjeremy         at 6:34 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 42 - Disagree 1

...something's "not right",

Name change in the middle of the year? Named for someone "still alive" as opposed to commemorating someone of distinction who has already passed away? Misleading information to parents? Elected leaders sometimes act in self-serving ways; however, this action screams so loudly of self-service and / or self-gratification that it is almost incomprehensible. Something's not right.

Submitted by SGL1         at 6:11 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 42 - Disagree 1

One of the biggest problems with our education system

Is our trustees and the school boards who are so far removed from what teachers and children require for the education system to be successful. It's silly things like this that make people sick. Most of the boards need to be disbanded. Teachers need to have much more say in what goes on and also have the ability to rate principles. If teachers are also going to be expected to be secondary parents, the need to be able to disipline the kids without the worry of repercussions or that the principal will just back a delinquent parent everytime. I'm not a teacher but I am a parent with 3 children.

Submitted by lip         at 3:13 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 31 - Disagree 2

ONline Petition Link - Hartsdale name change

http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/stop-hartsdale-avenue-public-school-from-being-renamed/607

Submitted by hio         at 1:26 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 19 - Disagree 1

Incestuous and self-serving

Boy talk about really, really, ugly decision-making. Naming a school after one of their own, in secret? And she doesn't even have the grace to turn it down? Clearly this is another school board that needs to be ousted and put under provincial management until they can understand that they serve the public and do NOT annoint themselves, vote for their own salaries or hand out awards to each other. Kids learn this in grade school.

Submitted by witness1         at 12:46 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 41 - Disagree 2

I agree

A school should be named after someone important - not a trustee with an ego. At least they did not rename it after Stephen Harper. Keep fighting this.

Submitted by thebusinessman         at 12:08 AM Wednesday, December 07 2011

Agree 35 - Disagree 3

It's unfortunate that this public official so easily sets aside rules and policies when it appeals to her vanity.

Submitted by Tanner Hadley         at 11:29 PM Tuesday, December 06 2011

Agree 45 - Disagree 1

[COMMENTS BY DON B. -  ]