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Photo of Marissa Largo

Candidate for School Board Trustee

Marissa Largo

Toronto Catholic District School Board Ward 7

Candidate details

Email
contact@trusteelargo.ca

Issue answers

Trustees, the Board, and the Province

What's the most important thing you'd act on as a school board trustee, and what experience or strengths would help you make it happen?

The most important issue I would prioritize as a Trustee is restoring democratic voice and accountability to the board. Elected trustees are the public's representatives, yet, important decisions about budgets, programs, and services have been made without meaningful trustee oversight or community input. Parents, students, educators, and taxpayers deserve a voice in these decisions. I have extensive experience listening to diverse perspectives, building consensus, and advocating for the needs of students, families, and communities.

Bullying in Schools

Bullying and discrimination are concerns raised in many school communities. What role do you believe a School Board Trustee should play in addressing these issues, and what actions would you support?

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. As a Trustee, I would support strong anti-bullying policies, accountability, culturally responsive mental health supports, and initiatives that foster belonging. My commitment is informed by my service on the Filipino Advisory Committee and Special Committee on Race Relations, where I advocated for policies that enhanced fairness. As Catholics, morality includes justice and equity; as Pope Leo XIV reminds us, human dignity is a gift from God and must be upheld for all.

Class Sizes and Staffing

Some school communities have raised concerns about teacher and educational-assistant (EA) staffing levels and class sizes. What role would you take as a School Board Trustee in addressing these concerns, and what would your priorities be?

As a Trustee, I would advocate for staffing and class-size decisions that put student learning, safety, and well-being first. Drawing on my as a former secondary teachers, I know what it is like to have growing classes and dwindling resources. I believe resources should be allocated equitably, recognizing that some schools require additional supports. My priorities would be adequate teacher and EA staffing and ensuring every student, especially those with diverse learning and support needs, has the opportunity to achieve student success.

Special Programs and Program Access

School boards make decisions about the range and distribution of specialized programs, including special education, language programs, and arts programming. What would you prioritize as a School Board Trustee in how these programs are offered and accessed?

I know students thrive when they see their talents, identities, and needs reflected in school programs. As an athlete and artist, and the parent of athletes and artists, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of sport and the arts. They are opportunities for young people to develop confidence, resilience, community, and their God-given gifts. I also strongly support International Language Education and more support of MEDD/ISP students. As a Trustee, I would work to remove barriers and ensure equitable access to these programs.

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