2022 Election

My name is Alysha Aziz (she/her) and I am running for School Board Trustee for Zone 2.

I grew up in Kanata, spent many summers at the Kanata Wave pool, and had the privilege of working as a camp …counsellor and dance teacher during my high school years. Throughout my years in high school and university, I volunteered with a variety of clubs while also working part-time. My dedication and commitment to outreach and community work in Ottawa were officially recognized in 2016 when I received the OCDSB Recognition Award and Principal's Award of Merit.

My vision for Kanata schools is simple: by prioritizing health and safety, equity, diversity, inclusion, and active communication, we can ensure our students and their communities flourish.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent and advocate for Kanata families because our kids are worth it. More

My wife and I have lived in Ottawa for 30 years. We moved to Kanata 18 years ago where we raised two amazing daughters who thrived in the public school system. I am a certified teacher and I have worked …with at-risk youth and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in both a school and group home setting. I have been a member of school council and coached football, volleyball and soccer. In addition to a degree in Education, I have degrees in both Biology and Philosophy. I am an avid cyclist, skier, and struggling guitar player.

As an educator with 30 years experience in the public school sector, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to be your voice at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. My priorities will be; increased funding for mental health services, support of programs designed to promote diversity and inclusion, implementation of initiatives designed to promote safe schools, student success and fiscal accountability

Over the span of my career, I have had the privilege of working with students possessing a range of exceptionalities. I have shared in their struggles and celebrated their successes. I believe that there is no limit to what students can accomplish when they are supported and encouraged in an environment that is both collaborative and inclusive. This belief will guide me in every decision I make on your behalf. More

Hi. I am a concerned parent and taxpayer that feels the need to improve communications among OCDSB, community, and Government. Policies on education affect everybody and I will work to update you on practices …and plans, as well as get the feedback from you and the schools on everything that is needed and all opportunities to improve what is done and how resources can be better managed.

This is about our children, our tax money, and our society. So the Board and schools must have: a culture of openness, inclusiveness, and respect; initiatives to be effective and efficient for students, teachers, staff, and parents; integration with other aspects of life that will enrich students of all ages and prepare them for life.

If you believe in the importance of these elements, please allow me to work for you as a OCDSB Trustee. I would appreciate your vote. More

I am a fierce champion for children and public education. Being a trustee will be my full-time job. Following 30 years with the federal public service, I made a decision that my next challenge would be …community advocacy, with a particular focus on the needs of children and youth. Since 2014, I have volunteered with the Plant Pool Recreation Association which provides free recreation programs including a sports program for youth, two ice rinks, and swim passes to the Plouffe Pool. As a parent and past member of school councils, including co-chair, I have seen how school communities can provide opportunities to grow and nurture learning. I also understand how much effort it can take to advocate for your child’s well-being. I want to use my leadership, management, advocacy talents to ensure that out children can reach their full potential. I am looking forward to serving as your OCDSB Trustee. More

I am a parent to two young children, a professional engineer and inventor, and a non-partisan political advocate:

- being a parent has taught me to value nuance and strive for understanding before …making judgements.

- as an engineer, I have become proficient at systems-thinking and making evidence-based decisions, while applying a robust methodology to fill in the gaps needed to make objective decisions.

- being an inventor has shown me how to create new solutions of value that didn’t previously exist.

- working to create positive changes with Provincial and Federal politicians of different parties has taught me that both sides of an argument are important to listen to, and that while we may not agree on all things, there are always things that we will agree on.

I was inspired to become a school board trustee because of a solid belief, based on years of listening to similar testimonies from teachers, ECE staff, and school administrators, that the people in the school system are passionate about their students and they are skilled in their craft, but the system gets in its own way.

Through past opportunities I have had as a professional engineer and in various governance roles, I've concluded that the cost of taking shortcuts and the push to achieve more of the same outcomes with less of the necessary resources is a predictable set of diminishing returns followed by long term deterioration in quality.

Ultimately, my view is:

- The school system establishes the environments which foster growth and creativity for students and staff;

- The culture of each school is central to the culture of our local communities each and every day;

- The energy and passion our teachers and staff have for educating will directly shape the energy and passion our students have for learning; and

- The commitment our future leaders will have for our society is currently being forged by the commitment we have to our students

I am passionate to ensure the board resources are being responsibly deployed to create an enriching environment within each school, so the staff can excel at what they do best, which is inspiring students to excel. This gives me hope for a healthier school system, with empowered staff, that inspire successful students, as they become stewards of our community. More

I have deep roots in our community, as I have resided in this zone for over 30 years. I am now raising my two children in this wonderfully diverse area. I grew up in our OCDSB Schools, from JK - G.12, …my oldest is enrolled in the OCDSB, and once my newest addition is old enough, they will be enrolled in the OCDSB as well.

I hope to represent the constituents in our public school board zone to effect positive change. I am committed to ensuring our students are well supported and prepared for the future.

I come from a background consisting of community building, organizing, and social justice. This has been instrumental in guiding my personal and professional pursuits.

I am an active member of my community association, a previous Shop Steward for Workers Labour Union Teamsters Local 91, and an environmental and social justice advocate. I have worked in the Real Estate Sector for over 12 years in various capacities. I have held a focus on public, and community service centered roles, throughout the entirety of my professional career. I have gained and cultivated many skill sets that are highly transferable to the role of Board Trustee. I volunteer as much as possible, and some of the initiatives and organizations I have supported are Ride For Dad, Harmony House, Canadian Red Cross and Miracle Network. I actively continue to volunteer and support the efforts and initiatives of: Hair Donation Ottawa ( A Cancer Research Fundraiser ), The Breakfast Club, Food Banks Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Downie & Wenjack Fund, The Trevor Project, Protect Our Winters, CHEO, and various mutual aid requests.

I am passionate about creating exceptional public education pathways for our communities, and I am committed to furthering our Board's progress for students' success. More

Steven Warren lives in Knoxdale-Merivale Ward within Zone 5. As someone who graduated high school last year, he understands what needs to be done to improve student well-being. He is currently studying …political science at the University of Ottawa with intentions to attend law school. Steven is the youngest municipal election candidate in Ottawa. His young age provides new ideas and solutions to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. He has served as a Student Senator during his time in Grade 12, where he fought for his fellow students to be heard. Steven believes the best way for students to be heard is by increasing youth representation on the Board of Trustees. Steven's priorities include tackling the climate crisis, empowering the student voice and advancing public education. As an autistic, Steven believes more must be done to ensure neurodivergent students are represented. More

As a former teacher I’ve seen firsthand how political activism has entered schools and I am concerned that this is harmful to students and society at large. I believe there is far too much emphasis these …days on identity groups (dividing kids by race, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.), and strict adherence to political correctness is hindering the development of critical thinking skills. I will look for opportunities to bring students, teachers, and administrations together in pursuit of their core mission of delivering educational excellence. More

Hi, I am Mamata Dutta and I am associated with various organizations in Ottawa for more than three decades – AlivEducation, Pro-active Education for All Children’s Enrichment (PEACE), Centre for Global …Development Re/conciliation (CGDRC) and other multi-cultural organizations. My work experience, language skills and wide range of international travel have given me the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures, comprehend their problems and challenges and learn the importance of inculcating multi-cultural values and inclusiveness for our overall development. Therefore, I strongly believe that I would be able to help OCDSB in formulating policies fostering student achievement and well-being while creating an inclusive culture in schools. More

Hi, My name is Maher Jebara and I lived in the South Keys my ENTIRE life. I am passionate about the environment and finding ways to make our schools greener. Check out my website to learn more about me …and what I stand for :) More

I am a resident of the Carlington neighbourhood of Ward 16 (River) and have called Ottawa my home since I moved here in 2016. By profession, I am an aeronautical engineer and currently work in regulatory …engineering for the federal government. I also teach, on occasion, at Queen’s University and Carleton University. In the community, I am highly involved with the Canadian Cadet program and am currently serving as the Commanding Officer of one of the local air cadet units. I am an avid winter sports athlete (at least recreationally) in skiing and curling, including being a youth coach for both curling and biathlon in the city. More

My name is Sandra Griffith-Bonaparte.

I’ve lived in the Innes/Beacon Hill – Cyrville community for over 17 years. My children have attended OCDSB Public School.

I’m an experienced Primary …and Secondary School Teacher. I work in the Federal Public Service and serve as a local President for the Union of National Defence Employees.

I’ve dedicated my life to teaching and upholding the principles of equity, tolerance, acceptance and diversity!

Your issues matter to me. I will ensure that each child receives a high quality education that prepares them for the realities of today and a brighter tomorrow. More

Peter is a seniors’ health and housing advocate who is an active volunteer with several local community associations. He is co-lead of the Technology Committee for Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS), …and is a project collaborator with the National Research Council’s (NRC) Aging in Place Challenge program, a joint initiative with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging.

Peter’s charitable work includes coordinating efforts with the Canada Pakistan Association of the National Capital Region (CPA) and the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan to collect, ship, and distribute winter clothing and sports equipment to youth in northern Pakistan.

Born in Ottawa, Peter attended school in Orleans from grades K-12. He acquired his BA in History from Carleton University, where he is currently studying Anthropology, focusing on preventative health and medicine.

Peter works at Canadian Blood Services in Regulatory Affairs. More

I have a passion for helping my community, communications, creativity, and advocating for education, mentorship, diversity, and inclusion.

I want to represent you as the Ottawa-Carleton District …School Board school board trustee in Zone 12 to help foster student achievement, well-being, and equity throughout students’ school careers.

Students and parents, tell me what you want to see in your schools, and I will advocate to bring your voices to the school board.

I have been a resident of Ottawa since 2011 when I attended the University of Ottawa and fell in love with the City and the people. I have worked and volunteered in the government, non-profit, and education sectors.

Throughout my career, I have been proven time and time again that education and mentorship will help us build a better tomorrow.

My previous experiences have given me the tools and diplomacy to sit on the board and make sure all voices are heard. My primary focus in my career is to streamline processes, create effective communication systems, and be a champion for education, mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in the organizations I am a part of. You can learn more about me on my website or on LinkedIn.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me — and on October 24, I hope you will give me your vote. More