big issues:trustees, the board, and the province
Toronto has four publicly funded school boards, split by language (English or French) and faith (public or Catholic). The English-language boards are the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). The French-language boards are Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
Before you read: a note on provincial supervision. The TDSB and TCDSB have been under provincial supervision since June 27, 2025. Viamonde and MonAvenir are not. While supervision is in place, provincially appointed supervisors exercise powers that would normally belong to elected trustees. Unless otherwise noted, this primer describes a trustee's ordinary powers, outside supervision. To read more: Ontario government.
Toronto's publicly funded schools are governed by elected school boards. While many decisions about education are made by the Province, school boards play an important role in local governance and oversight.
Here are four things to know: what a school board is, what trustees can and cannot do, how Toronto's four boards work, and why two of them are under provincial supervision.
Candidate answers
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Robert Pella
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?As a Catholic leader with nearly three decades of youth leadership experience, my priority is putting students first, strengthening Catholic identity, and ensuring parents are heard at Toronto Catholic District School Board. My decades of service with young people and community leadership give me the practical experience to advocate for Ward 1 families.
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Jennifer Di Francesco
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 first priority would be ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed and feel valued at school. As a mother of two children with diverse learning needs, I understand how difficult it can be for families to navigate the system and have their concerns heard. With over 10 years of TCDSB involvement through Parent Council, CPIC and SEAC, I know how to listen, ask tough questions and turn parent and student concerns into meaningful action and accountability.
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Stephanie Loor Ruiz
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 would focus on student well‑being by ensuring schools have strong mental health resources, protecting and expanding specialized programs, and advocating for academic success that recognizes every child learns differently. My years in government, our community groups, and volunteering with students give me the experience to help me make this happen.
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Rosanna Araujo
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 top priority would be ensuring equitable access to education and support for every student. Through my nonprofit work delivering menstrual health education outreach, I've built strong relationships with diverse communities, educators, and stakeholders. My ability to connect people, build trust, and leverage community partnerships would help me advocate for inclusive programming, stronger student supports, and meaningful family engagement. I believe collaboration is key to creating lasting change in our schools.
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Teresa Colonna
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 first priority is putting Catholic faith into action so every child is safe, valued and supported. I would advocate for restoring elected trustees’ decision making authority, with strong accountability and transparency about where funds go. I bring over 15 years of school advocacy, experience overseeing building subcommittee budgets and decades of community service. Guided by faith and persistence, I would work with fellow trustees and advocate directly to the province for the resources our TCDSB communities need.
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Paul Salvatori
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 thing I’d act on as School Board Trustee is ensuring every student has a safe and engaging educational environment where they can honour their potential and build meaningful social bonds — the foundation of a compassionate community. As an educator, I have experience creating environments where students, along with their families, feel heard, valued and supported.
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Anton Perera
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 thing as a school board trustee would be to uphold and safeguard the values and teachings of Lord Jesus Christ and ensure religious dimension remain central to school life, curriculum and board policies. My parents and the teachers at the private Catholic school I attended have given me a strong foundation in the Catholic faith. Accountabilty and trustworthiness are of paramount importance to me as a trustee which I will uphold. My strengths in leadership, public speaking and negotiating will be an asset as a trustee.
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Nancy Crawford
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 would advocate for more funding. School Boards in Ontario are not funded sufficiently to provide a high quality of education to meet the needs of all students. More funds are needed for special needs students, learning resources and supplies and school building maintenance. I have served the students and families in Ward 12 (Scarborough Southwest and Scarborough Guildwood) for the last 16 years and I am extremely grateful to be acclaimed to serve you again for the next four years.
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Markus de Domenico
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 role for a Trustee is to be that person that picks up the phone or answers emails to assist parents with their concerns, move policies that enhance learning and to ensure the Board is being managed by our staff. I have been elected Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Trustees along with Chair of Student Achievement, sat on the Labour Relations, the Audit and the Ukrainian Canadian Advisory Committees
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Sara Concordia
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 first priority would be strengthening classroom learning, especially reading, math and science. In my opinion, books need to return to the classroom. Technology is useful, but it should support, not replace, handwriting, discussion and direct teaching. As a parent and construction management professional, I understand planning, budgeting, accountability and follow-through. I would bring that practical, common-sense approach to the board and focus on what truly helps students succeed.
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Ida Li Preti
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?As a mother of three boys in the system, I know how much it matters when children get the support they need at school. Since 2018, I’ve secured millions for school improvements, protected MEDD classes, prioritized psychoeducational assessments and safety, expanded IB and skilled-trades opportunities, built university partnerships, and created TCDSB’s only High Performance Athletic Program. I’ve strengthened the home-school-church partnership. My priority remains student achievement & academic excellence and memories to last a lifetime.
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Susel Munoz Plasencia
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 making sure that students’ needs—not politics, bureaucracy, or convenience—drive decisions at the school board. As a parent of four children and a longtime community advocate, I understand firsthand how school board decisions affect families, particularly families who are navigating special education and complex supports. I bring lived experience, community advocacy, and a willingness to ask difficult questions and hold decision-makers accountable.
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Gianfranco Cristiano
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 thing I’d act on is making sure families in Ward 5 feel heard at the board table and not just consulted and forgotten. When you call, I will show at your door and listen. I’m a parent with young children in our TCDSB system. I know what the conversations at the school gate sound like, and I know what has been getting lost by the time it reaches the board. My background in community organizing and my private sector experience have taught me how to take concerns and turn them into real outcomes.
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Frank D'Amico
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 main central priority remains to give each student the best possible classroom experience given the resources we have. A safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students make friends and memories that last a lifetime, My best quality is listening, I now have experience, I am able to build relationships with parents, educators, administrators, and community partners to help accomplish these goals.
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Marissa Largo
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.
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Mary Cury Paul
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 is to protect important school programs and ensure every family has fair access to them, including heritage languages, special education, and the arts. Students’ mental health must be a priority, with safe schools and early access to counselling. As a Tamil language teacher, I see how language helps children connect with their culture and feel they belong. As a TCDSB parent, I understand families’ concerns and I will listen to families, protect programs, and make sure students get the support they need.
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David Le
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?As a school board trustee, I will focus on policies that ensure reasonable classroom sizes because this issue cascades into other issues. Increasing class sizes has not led to hiring more support staff, yet funds are being cut and educators are being let go. Teachers are told to do more with less, leaving our children to carry the burden. As a policy analyst, I will help develop policies that ensure our children receive the top-tier education they deserve and advocate for adequate funding for our education system.
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Jonathan Santos
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.
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Rosina Bonavota
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?If elected as a school board trustee, my priority will be improving student achievement and ensuring every student has the support and opportunity to succeed. I will use achievement and equity data to identify gaps, understand what is working, and advocate for effective strategies and resources. I will apply my policy experience to set clear goals and monitor results, while listening to diverse perspectives. By combining evidence with community input, I will help turn good ideas into practical action that improves outcomes for all students.
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Matias de Dovitiis
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?Fighting to ensure that all our students have equitable access to resources means fighting to stop the cuts being mandated by the Minister of Education. It is important for us to shed a light on how our public education system and our public funds are being used. We need to provide our children with an education that includes literacy, numeracy, arts, music, sports and aids the exploration of every student’s interests. Whatever futures students want to explore, we need to provide the next generation with the resources they need to succeed.
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Marisa Sterling
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?On Day 1, my priority will be to return the voice of parents and families in school decisions: 1) connect the 55 parent councils, 2) outreach to all families of the 25,000 students in our amalgamated ward through surveys/townhalls, and 3) attract media attention on the needs of our schools and the return of democracy, transparency and accountability of the TDSB. I know how to get this done with my 10 years of experience as a board governor and chair, and my 9 years as a senior university leader advocating for student access and inclusions.
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Karen Emerson
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?TDSB schools are in a crisis from decades of underfunding. As a long time advocate for Public Education I believe that students require a safe, inclusive public education, regardless of postal code, identity, ability, family income. As a Trustee I will fight for: fully funded education; funding to address the school infrastructure crisis; safe and Inclusive schools; to strengthen special education; smaller class sizes; the restoration of the democratically elected Trustee powers.
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Azim Dewan
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 top priority as a school board trustee would be to advocate for adequate funding and responsible allocation of resources to improve student achievement,special education,school facilities & student well-being. Every student deserves access to a safe,supportive and well resourced learning environment. I bring over 20 years of experience serving as Chair & Vice-Chair of various elementary,middle & secondary school councils & Scarborough regional Vice-Chair. These experiences, given me first person insight into the challenges facing students.
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Ahnaaf Hassan
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?Under provincial supervision, we’ve seen funding cuts affect our most vulnerable students. From the underfunding of special education, proven in a recent 6.4M cut, to the cutting of the model schools program, scrapping essential funding for lower-income communities, many in SSW and BEY. In my time on the board, but also growing up in model schools, I learned just how important this funding is to student learning. As Trustee, I will fight to restore equitable funding, to make sure our schools foster learning, regardless of location or income.
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Md Sazibul Islam
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 most important priority would be creating safe, healthy and inclusive schools where every student can succeed. I would advocate for improved student nutrition, mental-health services, bullying prevention, classroom support and indoor air quality. My community leadership, professional experience in accounting and financial analysis, and ability to listen and work with diverse communities would help me examine budgets carefully, build cooperation and advocate effectively to the Board and provincial government.
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Jocelyne Poirier
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 priorities are better learning, safe and supported schools, and accountability and strong local representation. I'd champion manageable class sizes, classroom supports, stable staffing, timely support for diverse needs and school repairs. As a CPA with 15 years in accounting and over a decade in leadership, I bring experience managing budgets, assessing risks and finding solutions. I would push for adequate funding, responsible financial management and transparent budgets, stand up for students and advocate for what our schools need.
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Glenn Kremp
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?Building and supporting parent and student councils. As co-chair of a parent council I know how important we are to the school and the students. A strong school community helps the students get what they need for a strong education. The voices of parents, teachers and students help shape a better, positive environment. I would host more town halls to give everyone the chance to express their communities educational needs and take the information back to the board.
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Ravicha Ravinthiran
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 believe that investing in the public education system is the foundation of a strong community. Growing up in TDSB schools shaped who I am, and I want every student to have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. My priority would be making sure decisions at the TDSB reflect what students, families and educators are actually experiencing. My background in finance and technology, along with years of working with youth in Scarborough, has taught me to listen, navigate complex systems and turn ideas into practical action.
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Curtis Jack
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?Protecting frontline classroom resources and special education by reducing administrative overhead and pushing Queen's Park to modernize outdated funding models. Backed by extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, I will audit TDSB expenditures to keep funding directed toward teachers and educational assistants. Combed with a proven record of aligning complex stakeholder teams, I bring the governance skills needed to work with fellow trustees. As a local parent, my focus is practical student outcomes, not bureaucracy.
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Dameon Halstead
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 top priority as a Trustee would be ensuring every child has a safe, supportive school environment and the opportunity to succeed. My experience in property management, security supervision, youth advocacy, resource management, and working with the provincial government has taught me the importance of safety, accountability, responsible decisions, and wise use of resources. It has strengthened my ability to listen, ask questions, and find practical solutions. I would bring these strengths to the Board and advocate to the Province for support.
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Angus Grant
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 is making sure families have clear information about decisions affecting their kids, and a voice on student safety and support. I've spent seven years on parent council, most on its executive, secured a crossing guard at Torrance and McCowan, and helped shape school and neighbourhood traffic safety plans. I listen, stand my ground and work constructively with parents, schools, city staff, the board and the province. As trustee, I'll keep families informed and push for answers and action within my authority. Our kids deserve it.
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Abdul Azeem Mohammed
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 most important priority would be making sure every student is heard, supported and given a fair chance to succeed. As a PIAC representative and school-council member, I’ve sat with parents who brought forward genuine concerns, only to leave meetings wondering, “Who will actually act on this?” I’ve felt that frustration myself. It taught me that listening is only the first step, accountability and follow-through matter. As Trustee, I will turn parents’ voices into measurable action and keep families informed every step of the way.
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Gary McBean
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 would bring strong community experience, clear communication, and the ability to listen to parents, teachers, and students. These strengths help me understand real problems in local schools and work with the board to make practical changes—like better supervision, faster responses to safety concerns, and more support programs. I personally visited 94 % of TDSB High Schools within the past 4 years.I'll demonstrate integrity to the highest level and walk the talk.I have over 8 years of experience working directly with parents and children.
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Darren Frake
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 main focus is making sure government decisions and school budgets match what actually happens in our classrooms. As a certified teacher and high school principal with over 20 years of experience, I know firsthand what students and staff deal with every day. With a degree in political science, I also know how to work with government officials, speak up for our community, and hold leadership accountable so our local schools get the funding and support they deserve.
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Anu Sriskandarajah
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?As your Trustee, my top priority is protecting student well-being, front-line staffing, and equitable resources, especially keeping class-size caps strong and securing vital supports for Scarborough schools. My strength lies in my eight years of proven governance experience: holding the province accountable, navigating bureaucracy, and acting as a frontline advocate for parents. Backed by my expertise in Child and Youth Studies, I bring an evidence-based, child-centred approach to ensure every student thrives.
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Sherri Williams
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 top priority would be ensuring students get the support they need to learn and feel safe. As a mother of five who all attended schools in this ward, I bring years of experience navigating our schools as a parent. I would use my communication and problem-solving skills to listen to families, work with educators, and advocate to the board and province for adequate staffing and resources. Families deserve a trustee who listens and follows through.
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Aria Garcia
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 thing I'd act on as a Public School Board Trustee is to check the status of each schools in TDSB such as: a) ownership title of each building b) construction cost of each building c) check the business registration with CRA &income taxes returns filed d) trustee office. I have more than 20 years working experience in banking, telecom & retail. My strengths consists of completion of Law degrees in Paralegal and Law Clerk and diploma in Computerized Accounting & Office Administration and Taxation degree as Tax Accountant.
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Marcia Wilson
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?If it were up to me I would choose but I CANT.We are inhibited by the large elephant in the room. The chronic financial crisis/budget deficit. It's a binding constraint that not one of us can avoid .Every available resource is already completely consumed. Collective responsibility has caused an appalling breakdown of fiduciary tradition. Consequentially, my number one priority, should be trying to get back in leaner territory.My background is Sociology. It's not Math but I understand human behavior and structures and how to leverage help
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Ketan Purohit
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?Make education a pathway to future opportunity and employment - ensuring every child gain the knowledge, practical skills, character, and confidence needed for successful employment in a new challenging world. With 30+ years of IT consulting, engineering degree, community involvement, and work with youth, I posses the expertise and skill to listen, solve problems, manage resources responsibly, and work in a Team. I would use these strengths and methods to turn concerns into concrete improvements for students, parents, schools and community.
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Vimuththan Nantheeswarar
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?Drawing on my experience in equity-focused governance, systems thinking, and community engagement, I will serve to strengthen school-based micro-community hubs where students, families, educators, and community partners can lead, connect, and thrive together. A key priority is addressing the two-month summer gap, when many students lose access to vital supports and families struggle to find affordable childcare. Schools should remain connected to their communities year-round through programming, partnerships and youth stewardship opportunities.
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Matthew Zaffino
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?As a CPA, I am very comfortable with numerical data. The first "important thing" would be working with the province to increase funding and find savings to restore financial stability to the TDSB so that it could be returned from provincial supervision. Once back under trustee control, the most important thing as a trustee would be a focus on student performance: we are down 2 grades in math and reading in Ontario based on PISA scores: I would be very focused on identifying board-level policy changes that lead to stronger student performance.
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Timothy Ellis
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?While I have a comprehensive policy platform, the most important action I'll take as Trustee is being present and accessible in the community - answering questions, addressing concerns, and organizing for positive change. With years of experience in board governance, a passion for community service, and a proven record of bringing people together to get big things done, I don't need to learn on the job; I'm ready to get to work for Etobicoke families on day one. We deserve a voice - as Trustee, I'll ensure we have one that can't be ignored.
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Ivan Voitsytskyi
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 thing is to be available to parents in Etobicoke and help them get answers from the board. I live in this community, so I understand local school concerns. I am not a politician. My strength is that I will listen, speak plainly, and follow up. A trustee should make the system easier for families, not more confusing.
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Alexis Dawson
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 thing I would act on is ensuring every student has the resources, support and opportunity to succeed. That means fighting for better funding, stronger special education, mental health supports and equity. I bring more than a decade of public education advocacy, four years as a Trustee, and experience working directly with hundreds of families. I know how to bring community voices to the Board, challenge decisions that don’t serve students, and turn advocacy into action.
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Andrew Waters
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 top priority is refocusing the TDSB on student achievement, well-being & striving for excellence. My Fresh START priorities: Student Focused, Trust Restored, Accountability, Results, & Transparency will guide my service. As a TDSB parent, qualified teacher, CPA, longtime School Council & Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (Board-level) leader, & senior public servant, I bring the experience to ask tough questions, drive needed change, strengthen accountability, & ensure resources reach every student so they can belong, learn, & thrive.
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Jennifer Webster
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 19 years and counting as a parent within the board and believe there are so many things that need to be prioritized these days in our current school system. Making promises that I can’t keep because of the board supervision is unfair to the community members. My top three priorities: focus on restoring and enhancing funding to model schools, work towards providing safe schools for all, and return outdoor education/field trips for all students.
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Daniel Choi
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?Restoring your vote comes first. A person nobody elected now holds this board’s powers. Parents can’t vote him out. That should bother every parent in this ward. Every three months I’ll publish a plain report on what he decided and what it cost. If he won’t release a number, I’ll publish the refusal instead. Our schools’ real figures go to Queen’s Park, not more resolutions. I sit on multiple boards and oversight is already my work. First report published inside 90 days.
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Ivanna Andrusyak
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 main goal is to help create a safe and supportive school environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I believe this starts with listening—to parents, teachers and students—and building better communication between them. My strength is listening, identifying the real problems and bringing people together to find practical solutions. When bigger issues need action, I will make sure those voices are heard at the Board and beyond. It takes a village, and strong schools help build a stronger society.
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Anthony Delpero
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?As a trustee, my priority would be keeping schools focused on education: strong fundamentals, critical thinking and preparing students for their future. I believe schools should provide a safe, respectful environment where students can learn, while parents should have the primary role in raising their children and making decisions about their family’s values. I would work with the province and parents to keep the focus where it belongs: putting students first.
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Andrew Massey
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 province has used Bill 33 & Bill 101 to sideline trustees, but it's still a public office! I will use the office to hold decision-makers accountable and call for real change. At the board level, this means advocating for equity and calling out bad policy. In the community, this means rallying and organizing opposition! I'm a technical writer. I translate complex details into clear, plain-language documentation. I want to do this for Ward 5 families via weekly web updates, regular office hours, monthly townhalls, and quarterly reports.
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Jared Kolb
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 top priority would be strengthening student success by putting more support where it matters most: in classrooms and schools. I would advocate for adequate staffing, strong special education and mental health supports, and evidence-based programs that help students thrive. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, a track record of building partnerships and driving results, and my experience as a parent and school council co-chair, I know how to listen, collaborate, and turn community priorities into action.
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Theo Nazary
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?As your next TDSB Trustee in Ward 7, the most important thing for me will be putting our children's education first. This means repealing Bill 101, falsely titled as "Putting Student Achievement First Act." This bill is a major mistake. I will use all my powers as your TDSB Trustee to make sure the province reverses these policies. These cuts harm our children, our schools, teachers, and staff at the TDSB. Now is not the time to make cuts to public education. I will keep partisan politics and ideology out of our classrooms and the TDSB.
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Andrene Gregory
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?Accountability for students' achievement and well-being. Accountability, not as punishment but as a duty to care. Knowing whether the system is working, where it is failing and why, bec every student deserves a fair, quality education. I was trained to listen, ask difficult questions, identify gaps and bring people to a resolution. I don't just see problems and complain about them. I listen, research, investigate, communicate, and challenge the status quo—that is what raising the standard is about—finding improvements & making recommendations.
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Maureen Larkin
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 first priority is to be accessible and accountable to my constituents. Figuring out how to best advocate for your child within the education system can be overwhelming. Having worked as a Constituency Assistant to my local MPP, I have extensive experience helping community members navigate complex government systems and advocate for themselves. Every day, I helped constituents understand their rights and options, connect with services, and develop strategies to resolve problems. I will bring that same approach to my role as Trustee.
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Elina Feyginberg
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 the safety and well being of each student where each student can have access to a learning environment that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. I bring over 12 years of experience as a public safety officer, as well as over 12 years experience in government policy.
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Jennifer Volk
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 three main priorities are: 1. Safety & Well-being - protecting supports that keep kids safe, and improving safety zones in our community 2. Equity & Inclusion - Championing programs like school meals that give every child a fair chance to learn. 3. Transparency & Accountability - Holding the TDSB accountable through open, consultative decision-making. I have spent 14 years serving on Parent councils at every level, giving me a wide range of experience. I have spent decades building networks to advocate for students, schools and families.
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Stacey Cline
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 am committed to delivering strong public education for every child, working in collaboration with parents, educators, the Ministry of Education, and the City of Toronto. My priorities include ensuring equitable access to programs and opportunities, empowering every student to reach their full potential. I will advocate for appropriate staffing and funding, inclusive schools and classrooms, the specialized supports students need to succeed, and direct resources toward mental health supports, safe classrooms free from hate, and school repairs.
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Sarah Smithies
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 will fight to: Restore the $6.5 billion in education funding cut by the Ford government. Restore local, democratically elected boards, so that education decisions are driven by parents and local communities. Stop the sell-off of TDSB lands and school closures. Reduce class sizes, so every student receives the attention they deserve. Eliminate the $4.45 billion repair backlog, to make all schools safe and healthy. Restore critical student Supports, reverse staffing cuts to Education Assistants, and reinstate the Model School.
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Saherla Osman
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 is ensuring every student has access to safe, inclusive, well-resourced public education. As a lifelong Ward 6 resident, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and professional supporting children with disabilities; I bring frontline experience working in Section 23 classrooms and volunteering in my community. I have had difficult conversations with decision-makers to advocate for students. As Trustee, I would demand transparency, advocate for equitable provincial funding, to keep public assets and to hold the Board accountable.
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Adam Golding
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'm here to keep the balance between public and private models, as a lefty who teaches in both models, amid an attempted corporate takeover of schools by Doug Ford, who's fired half of trustees, more than halved their pay, and installed literal CEOs to overrule the people's elected representatives. This must be stopped and I have signed Trustee Rizzo's pledge to work with The Catholic Board to resist these two parallel takeovers of public education. Work with small businesses and KEEP PUBLIC SCHOOLS PUBLIC -- the people must be in charge.
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Tasha Kheiriddin
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 is to refocus the TDSB on its core mission: excellent education in safe, supportive schools. As a parent, journalist, policy analyst and School Council Chair, I have a deep knowledge of the issues, can ask tough questions, and build support for change. Years of education advocacy have also taught me the importance of listening to the community. Finally, I want the Board and the province to reform spending policies to allow schools to buy supplies at the lowest price, from any vendor, and redirect savings to the classroom.
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Axel Arvizu
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 top priority would be improving student achievement while ensuring schools are safe, supportive and accountable. As a parent and business owner, I bring practical experience in problem-solving, managing resources and listening to different perspectives. I would use those strengths to focus on measurable outcomes, responsible spending and making sure decisions at the Board translate into meaningful improvements for students, families and educators.
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Deborah Williams
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 top priority is ensuring every student has access to safe, inclusive, and well-resourced schools where they can thrive. I will continue advocating to close Ontario’s education funding gap, strengthen student supports, and improve achievement and well-being. Since being elected Trustee in 2022, I have served in key leadership roles, including Chair of the Program and School Services Committee. With over 10 years of governance, advocacy, and community engagement experience, I have the skills to bring people together and deliver results.
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Gladstone Cherrington
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’ll revisit legislations set out by the Province of Ontario to hold the Ford Government accountable for funding. Being a Queens Park Policy Specialists I had the opportunity to work along side former MPP Gerard Kennedy, the Critic and Minister of Education. In a Legislative Policy Specialist capacity, I attended the Ministry of Education Estimate proceedings which gave me the inside framework of the Public School Spending strategies. This gave me the insight on how much, and where funds are being allotted for education by the Province.
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Shaffni Nalir
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 was in the TDSB from JK to Grade 12. I know the system as someone who actually went through it. My priority is making sure students and families have a voice, especially while the TDSB is under provincial supervision. I would: Be available and present in Ward 7. Listen to students, parents and staff. Question decisions that don't make sense. Push for transparency. Speak up for our schools. I have years of experience working with youth, families and community organizations.
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Imran Khan
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?First Thing is We need Strong Negotiators ! Negotiate for Teachers, Students and EA's and even for cleaning staff ! Look I want clean schools, Small Classes, Better Compensation for Teachers and EA's. Look who we are dealing with : Learners who are our future our connection to world , Teachers who spend endless hours prepping and then delivering, Teaching Assistants who are next Teachers, Staff at School without whom we can not function - Let us ensure i) Fair Compensation ii) Fair Delivery of Education and iii) Care for Everyone !
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Farzana Rajwani
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.
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Dewitt Lee III
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?Finding a sustainable funding model for our schools is essential to preventing future disruptions caused by budget cuts. We must also create clear, reliable communication systems as trustees take responsibility for more schools, students and concerns. We are already building global learning partnerships & robust educational experiences, including the CAN/UK Black History Month Consortium, sistering Canadian and UK schools to share Black History Month curriculum in Oct & Feb, an esports mentoring program, and a supplies-for-teachers resource.
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Ibrahim Hatia
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?As a youth advocate, my priority is a future where every child in Don Valley East and West has the support to dream big and succeed. I know our schools from the inside because I recently came through them myself. Through my student union and the Canadian Federation of Students, I have spent years fighting for students and parents to be heard. I will bring that experience to pressing TDSB and the province for fair resources and schools ready for our future. Your child's future will guide every stand I take and your voice will help shape my work.
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Sonny Yeung
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?Strengthen Academic Achievement! My opponent's #1 priority- Skill Trades. Where 13% are on path to it. Where 33% are considering. I am reaching out to the 67% that is pursuing higher education at University OR College. I have always attended a Public School from JK to then OAC. Got 80s & was accepted by all Universities in Toronto as well as George Brown for Business, Psychology & some Filler, Centennial College for Business & Psychology. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree & Minor in Finance. I would be a living example of graduate.
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Bill Wu
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 would put student success first: strong reading and math skills, safe schools, and opportunities for every child to thrive. I would listen to families, support teachers, and push for clear targets, public progress reports, and responsible spending that prioritizes classrooms. With an electrical engineering background and 30 years working with children and families through sports and community programs, I bring practical problem-solving skills to turn community concerns into measurable action.
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Carey De Pass
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?Fight provincially mandated, local education democracy destroying, one-person rule at the Toronto Public and Catholic School Boards! Resist, fight, advocate and yell that we want our democracy back! Top down, bully boy style of government is becoming the norm in North America. This must stop. Once the local electorate are respected then we can listen, consult and work out agreements on class sizes, fixing our schools, implement policies to reduce bullying and enhance special programs. My strength is that I listen and consult with voters.
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Christopher Mammoliti
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 preservation of our school board trustees, and, in turn, public education, is in a critical space and under real threat that I’m not sure the general public understands. Losing our role would mean losing public & community voice, and I believe we must all stand together, across the political spectrum, to support school board trustees and a high-quality, well-resourced public education system. This is one of the primary reasons I am running in this election. My children's educational future suffers without school board trustees.