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Candidate for School Board Trustee

Jonathan Santos

Toronto Catholic District School Board Ward 9

Candidate details

Email
trustinsantosward9@gmail.com

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?

My priority would be restoring strong, responsible governance while keeping students at the centre of every decision. That means careful stewardship of public dollars, protecting classroom resources and listening to families. As a business owner, Realtor and father of four, I bring experience managing budgets, solving problems and being accountable for results. I would bring that same practical, collaborative approach to the Board.

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 at school. I would work to ensure strong anti-bullying policies are not only in place, but working. That means clear reporting, timely follow-up, meaningful support for students and open communication with families. I would listen to students, parents and educators, examine the data and hold the Board accountable for creating safe, welcoming schools where every child can learn and thrive.

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?

Students learn best when educators have the support and resources to meet their needs. I would closely examine class sizes, staffing levels and the allocation of EAs across our schools, with particular attention to students with greater needs. I would use enrolment and student-needs data to guide decisions and advocate for responsible budgets that prioritize the classroom and the frontline supports students need to succeed.

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?

Every student should have the opportunity to discover where they can excel. I would work to ensure special education, language, arts and other specialized programs are accessible, responsive to student needs and supported with appropriate resources. Enrolment, demand and student outcomes should inform how programs are offered, alongside the voices of families, so geography or circumstance does not unnecessarily limit opportunity.

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