Trustee Series: Meet Maureen Mason
Welcome to our Trustee series! We'd like to introduce you to Maureen Mason.
Maureen grew up in Windsor, the industrial heartland of the auto industry, where her parents worked tirelessly advocating for worker rights.
The lessons she learned as a child about the power in collective thinking are central to the values she brings to her work as a Trustee. She believes the strength and resiliency we need moving forward will come through a broad diversity of ideas and perspectives, and her role is to ensure a space at the decision-making table and a culture where all voices have value.
Maureen feels fortunate to live in the qathet region surrounded by family, including her four hilarious grandchildren. Read more below!
Q: What inspired you to run for Trustee?
A: “I see public education as the spine of a vibrant democracy and have been a lifelong advocate. My graduate studies and work experience have focused primarily on the role of collaborative dialogue in building community, something I felt would be of value to the work of Trustee.”'
Q: What do you believe is most important for students to learn/know in today's world?
A: “Traditionally, schools served an industrial model of society, but this is changing. Public education now sits at the edge of significant social change driven by the climate crisis, economic disparity, and cultural vulnerability. Navigating this shift requires resilience, flexibility, creativity, and innovation. Students need opportunities to think deeply, engage with complex issues, and leave school with the collaborative skills required to build healthy, sustainable communities.
I am very proud of our current strategic plan. It recognizes the importance of creativity and innovation and includes accountability measures to ensure they remain central to our work in schools and classrooms.”
Q: What has been your biggest learning since becoming a Trustee?
A: “People want to be heard and have their contributions mean something. This is not something I have learned since becoming a Trustee as much as it is a belief that has been reinforced through this work.
The most contentious issues can find common ground when we slow down, listen without judgement, and respect the views and perspectives of others. There is strength in our diversity.”
Q: If you looked ahead five years, what would you love to see our district known for?
A: “Students across our district and the province are seeking stronger connections between what they learn in school and how it applies to life beyond the classroom. Over the next five years, I anticipate—and would love for us to be known for—more meaningful partnerships with communities, businesses, cultural organizations, Elders, and post-secondary and trade institutions.”