Candidate for School Board Trustee

Farzana Rajwani

Toronto District School Board Ward 8

Candidate details

Email: farzanarajwani4trustee@gmail.com

Issue answers

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?

I have worked with students, families, educators, and community partners to support public education and student well-being. For example, I led the Community Safety Table, bringing together school and community leaders for student safety. As Trustee, I know that collaboration drives student success. I will continue making schools welcoming for all, push for an end to provincial Supervision, and, if re-elected, focus on achievement, inclusion, funding, partnerships, and better facilities.

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?

School Board Trustees set policy and ensure staff follow it. The Caring and Safe School Policy and Procedures must be clearly communicated to everyone. TDSB schools should be safe and welcoming for all. Trustees must make sure staff are accountable and that everyone knows how to report bullying or safety concerns. The Parent Concern Protocol and Student Safety Line support this. Trustees should review annual staff reports and recommend improvements as needed.

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?

School Boards rely on provincial grants, including funds for classroom staffing and special education. Historical data shows school boards, especially special education, are underfunded, an issue highlighted annually during the budget process. I prioritize funding teachers and educational workers who directly impact students. That’s why I supported lowering class sizes and ensuring smaller special education classes, despite limited funding. Unfortunately, the Supervisor overturned these decisions.

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?

Specialized programs give students choice within the public education system; that said, I hope more secondary schools can become schools of choice with a variety of program options if the board fully implements its 2020 secondary school program review plan. However, that requires support and funding from the province. That is one report I will continue to advocate for implementing. Trustees can influence the geographic location of these programs to ensure there is equitable access.

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