Every child deserves a safe, thriving school environment where they can reach their full potential. As a parent of three children in Thorold's public schools, I'm running to ensure families have a stronger voice and our schools are prepared for the future.
Many families have never had a reason to think about this role until it directly affects their child's classroom. Here's what a trustee actually does at the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN):
When my oldest child started public school in Thorold, I didn't think much about who sat on the school board or what they decided. Like most parents, I trusted that the people making those calls had my child's best interests at heart.
That changed as I started paying closer attention. Boundary changes, portable shortages, and busing decisions made in board meetings most parents never hear about — started showing up directly in my kids' day-to-day school life. I realized these decisions aren't abstract. They decide who's in your child's classroom, how crowded it is, and how far they have to travel to get there.
That's when I got involved not as a politician looking for a title, but as a father who wanted a seat at the table before decisions get made, not after.
Outside of my kids' schools, I've spent years volunteering in Thorold showing up for neighbours, organizing within our local community, and helping people feel heard in a city that's growing fast. As a member of Thorold's visible minority and Muslim community, I also know what it's like to wonder whether your family's perspective is represented in rooms where decisions get made. Our classrooms are more diverse than ever, and I believe that diversity deserves a genuine voice at the board table not just a mention in a values statement.
Professionally, I bring the accountability of a licensed P.Eng. and Certified PMP, with an M.Eng. from the University of Toronto and 15 years of engineering experience. But at the core, this campaign isn't about my resume it's about making sure Thorold families have someone at the table who will ask hard questions, show up prepared, and always put students first.
Every dollar funds lawn signs, flyers, and door-knocking that puts Thorold's voice at the DSBN table. Under Ontario law, only individuals may donate max $1,200.