Hello!
My name is Ben Hendriks and I created this page as I am running to be the 2022-2026 YRDSB trustee for Markham Wards 3 & 4. I am a single parent of a child who attends Fred Varley public school and I'm excited at the possibility of continuing to serve the residents of Markham.
Things I Can Do
I have been a resident of Markham for over 10 years. During this time I have been on the Board of the Markham Public Library (MPL) and the Ontario Library Boards' Association (OLBA), working to provide equitable, valuable, community focused library services for almost 8 years. For 3 of those years I fulfilled the role of Chair of the MPL Board, and for 2 years I was President of the OLBA. Some of the initiatives I was involved in during my time as Chair of the MPL Board include:
- Opening a new branch location in the Aaniin Community Centre
- Overseeing negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement
- Implementing a new Enterprise Risk Management system
- Focusing more on our community partnerships, and expanding partnerships with First Nations
A Few Accomplishments
Behind my governance leadership experience you’ll find a hard working individual who truly cares about ensuring that our institutions are here for everyone in the community. As your YRDSB trustee I would bring that passion to every area, whether it’s setting the policies that will help our students and staff bring their best selves to school each day, or ensuring fiscal prudence through annual budget setting, or actively advocating for high quality public education. Importantly though, I would love the opportunity to engage those in Wards 3 & 4 and bring your voices to the table at YRDSB.
