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4-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, Noveffnber 4, Ï1à7 WIth the Purchase etf a quaker State 011 Change Receive a FREE TEAM1 QUAKER STATe naclng Poster.. DidE nul out un Entwy rrn "Have you purchased your 3 box set of ......Quaker State Motor Oil picturing Terry LaBonte, Ricky Craven 'd and Jeff Gordon?" CANADA'S1ý MOTOR OIL Cal Bia' today! Andrew says she knows turf having taught and negotiated By STEVE LeBLANC Special ta The Champion A retired teachers' union chief says she has absolutely no hidden plans to protect her ex-col- leagues, if elected as Milton's public school trustee. Erica Andrew, who stepped down as president of the Halton Women Teachers' Association this som- mer, assures that she's committed to children's educa- tion - flot teachers' interest. "I arn very passionate about education and arn com- mitted to the kids. That's why I'm munning," stressed the single mother. Competing against Reverend Ken Campbell and Paul Tate for the local seat, Ms Andrew described the next municipal (tbree-year) term as a "turbulent time" for education. While she supports curriculum changes and stan- dardized report cards, the Iongtime educator opposes the seemingly "ultimate power" the provincial govemn- ment will assume if Bill 160 (the Education Quality Impmovement Act) is enacted. Problemns with the bill "PinM au excellent listener, 1 really cmr ~' about the students and 11m very professionaL", - MA ANDUEW ing staff and students. "If elected, l'il work on a strategy to effectively communicate with these groupa; and be in the scbools as mucb as possible." Ms Andrew' s teaching career spanned five decades, coming to a close Ibis sommer. She bas worked at almost every elementary-level school in Halton including E.C. Drury's Trilliumn School, wbere she taught special needs students. As Halton Women Teachers' Association president, she attended every school board meeting over the past "It seems like the govemment will be able to order three years. changes that can't be questioned under Bill 160," Ms Understands the numbers Andrew suggested. "Also, t have a problemn witb non- certified teachers being used in the classroom. Onîy Ms Andrew says this - plus long-limne affiliations expert teachers sbould instruct our cbildren, wbether it with every group in the Halton board - atiords ber be in math, science or phys-ed." familiarity with the system. She said she is saddened by the illegal strike, adding 'J have a clear understanding of the political and that it's a desperate move by teachers wbo "have their budgetary process of tbe (sehool) board," she said. backs against the wall." 'mr an excellent listener, I really care about the stu- Now retired from teaching, Ms Andrew believes she dents and I'm very professional." bas a distinct advantage over ber two maIe opponents She offered no direct comment on Rev. Campbell's in the amount of bours she can commit to the respon- wisb to blend religion into the public school sector - sibility. "I certainly bave the time for this job. only that many Cbristian-related teachings are already "The role of the sehool trustee won't be defined being included. until the whole Bill 160 issue is resolved. I think one "We may n01 be using the word God, but bis ethies of the primary responsibilities sbould still be support- are actually there. I've seen it with my own eyes."