As the newly elected TDSB trustee for Don Valley West I want to thank you, Leaside, for the trust and support you showed me on byelection day, March 3.
Campaigning in a Canadian winter builds character. I’ve personally experienced the challenges of door knocking through sleet, snow, and treacherous ice. Despite numb fingers and frozen toes, what kept me going was the warmth from residents who deeply value public education.
Throughout Leaside and across our ward, conversations on doorsteps revealed community priorities. Many parents wanted to discuss the math curriculum and literacy. Others pointed to aging infrastructure and building maintenance concerns. What surprised me, however, was how frequently these discussions expanded into broader anxieties about Canada’s future in relation to changing political dynamics in the United States.
These conversations revealed something profound: constituents don’t just want adequate education – they expect excellence that positions our students as future leaders on the global stage.
The TDSB’s Mission directly addresses these expectations, aiming to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and well-being to acquire the knowledge, skills and values needed to become responsible contributors to a democratic and sustainable society.
The Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-28) serves as our roadmap that sets direction and reflects our goals. Its foundation rests on ensuring each student receives the specific support they need to reach their full potential. This isn’t just a moral imperative; it aligns with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
As a former TDSB elementary teacher, I’m particularly passionate about academic excellence. Strong foundations in literacy and mathematics, beginning in kindergarten, are non-negotiable priorities. High expectations for performance must be coupled with targeted supports that recognize each student’s unique needs.
The late Honourable Murray Sinclair wisely noted: “It’s very much about ensuring that the human beings who you are educating are given the opportunity to be the best human beings they can be.” This perspective guides my approach as your Trustee.
Education is about preparing students for a complex world where they’ll need to think critically and adapt to change. The concerns I heard from residents about Canada’s position reflect the importance of providing our students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need for the future.
My experience campaigning has given me valuable insights into our community’s educational priorities. I remain committed to supporting Toronto’s public education system by focusing on both equity and academic excellence. These principles will help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, and that Canada can maintain its important role on the world stage.
My door is always open – and I promise a warmer welcome than the one winter provided me on the campaign trail!
Stacey Cline is our Trustee for Ward 11, Don Valley West. Contact her at: stacey.cline@tdsb.on.ca
