The letter
Dear Toronto Trustee Candidates, I’m reaching out to every candidate seeking election to the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board at an extraordinary moment for public education in our city. Candidates are stepping forward while both boards remain under provincial supervision. Elected trustees have been stripped of their decision-making authority, major decisions continue to be made, and families are asking a fair question: Why elect trustees when supervisors are making the decisions?
Because representation does not become less important when democracy is diminished. It becomes more important. Trustees must continue to listen, question, speak up and ensure that students, families and school communities are heard. When local governance is restored, trustees must once again be able to debate, decide and be accountable to the people who elected them.
Candidates from both Toronto school boards now have an opportunity to come together around shared principles that transcend our individual campaigns.
This is not a political party or slate. It is not an endorsement of anyone’s candidacy, and no one is being asked to surrender their independence or agree with another candidate’s entire platform.
We remain independent candidates—but we do not have to be isolated voices on everything. This is not about one board, one program or trustees seeking power. It is about whether Toronto families will continue to have meaningful, locally elected representation in public education. Included with this email is the Toronto Trustees Together statement of principles, along with a section where participating candidates may add their names as signatories.
If these principles reflect why you are running, please add your name to the signatory section and return the document, or simply reply YES and give permission for your name to be added. Let’s show Toronto what collaboration can look like before Election Day—and what strong, accountable local representation can look like afterward. One City. Two Boards. One Voice for Students and Families.
Maria Rizzo
