Responses from School Board Trustees

The WRDSB (Waterloo Region District School Board) trustee's were asked the question:

What are your top 3 priorities to address for the children this term in office?

2 Candidates will be elected on October 26, 2026


Brown, Marjorie A
RESPONSE
Apologies for the delay in responding. As you can imagine, since tossing my hat into this particular ring, my inbox has been filled with questions and questionnaires.
Full disclosure: our daughter is an educator in the elementary stream of the public board. Both my husband and I have volunteered at the school where she teaches. My Lions club hosts an event for the students each spring. During the formative years of my children and grandchildren, I was an active volunteer with their classes. I am now retired and feel I can dedicate the time required to understand the issues facing educators, students, and parents and can work towards resolutions.I
t is difficult to whittle it down to three priorities -- WRDSB is responsible for educating children from age 3 or 4 to about age 17 (Grade 12). There are unique concerns at every level. And while I thought running on a return to the three Rs of Respect, Responsibility and Refresh was a strong option, I have pivoted. I now am placing the historical three Rs of Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmetic at the forefront.
By Grade 7, students should be able to read a novel, compose a short story, and complete simple arithmetic problems. What my generation knew as Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) should transition our children into independence so that when they enter secondary school they are sufficiently mature to understand different perspectives, to write thoughtful arguments supporting their own perspective, and they should be able to complete more difficult mathematical problems. Secondary school should be a launch pad to adulthood and higher learning (should they choose that path). We should be providing our secondary school students with an introduction to careers such as skilled trades, athletics, musical employment, etc.
But it really does begin at kindergarten. Our educators have a suite of tools they can apply in helping to determine how a student learns and where help is needed. Resources, both human and financial, should be allocated equitably, allowing each student access to the supports and aids they need to succeed. In looking at how funds are distributed, I take a Canadian viewpoint -- schools that can raise extra funds do not need the same funding as schools in lower socio-economic neighbourhoods. In a perfect world, each student would have a new Chrome book and every school would have sufficient sports equipment and musical instruments.
I will work towards providing that perfect world in the WRDSB.

Marjorie Brown
"Embrace change -- it's the heartbeat of evolution."



Cairns, Mark
Email: mark4wrdsb@gmail.com
Nomination date: Aug 04, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you for reaching out. I apologize for my delayed response I've had a very hectic week.
In regards to your question I'll give you 4 of my top priorities.

Prevention and Early Intervention of bullying : Using verbal reminders, tracking behavior patterns, and addressing minor issues early through counseling or conflict mediation before they escalate.

Student Focus: Promote student success, safe learning environments, and equitable access to programs.Individualized Support which factor in a student's unique needs, background, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) when required

Inclusion and LGBTQ+ Support: Implementing policies that protect transgender and non-binary students, supporting Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), and utilizing inclusive pronouns and language.

Equity and Social Justice: Adopting anti-racism frameworks, diversifying curricula to reflect marginalized histories, and re-evaluating disciplinary practices that disproportionately impact minority students.I

hope I can earn your votes.

Mark Cairns



Hutzal, Brent
Email: brent.hutzal@gmail.com
Website: brenthutzal.ca
Nomination date: Aug 20, 2026

RESPONSE
Thanks for your email and for your engagement in the election of WRDSB Trustees! There are many key issues facing our education system that spurred me to seek the role of Trustee: student supports and mental health, class sizes, safety, human rights, and technology/AI in the classroom. I have experience and awareness in each of these key issues, through my employment as a post-secondary educator, my volunteer experience, and my family - I have three daughters in the WRDSB and my wife is the Chief of Pediatrics at WRHN. These are issues that are very important to me and in my home.

Another priority would be to bring stability to the Board during this state of transition - in Kitchener, there are no current trustees running for re-election and only three incumbents throughout all Trustee elections for WRDSB. I have the background, education, experience, and passion for public education to be an effective team member of the new Board and guide WRDSB over the next 4 years.

It would also be a priority of mine to work with the Treasurer and Controller of WRDSB to gain further insights into the budget and to provide my expertise and governance to maximize the impact of each dollar spent. As a CPA accountant, I am well-equipped to provide oversight in this regard, which, in turn, would also help find solutions or alleviate the stresses and hardships that arise from the key issues in my opening paragraph.

Please be sure to visit Brent Hutzal — WRDSB Trustee Candidate, Kitchener for more information and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or would like clarification on anything above.

Best regards,
Brent Hutzal




Kassad, Ahmed
Email: kassad.ahmed@gmail.com
Phone: (416) 854-4091
Nomination date: Aug 19, 2026

RESPONSE
Good morning,

My top three items to focus on are:
- Academics focus - Strong foundations in reading, writing, and math
- Supports for students with special needs
- Transparent, responsible, and student focused spending

Happy to chat more if you have any questions or comments

Best
Ahmed



Kaur, Mandy
Email: mandykb580@gmail.com
Website: mandykb580.ca
Nomination date: Aug 20, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to ask these thoughtful and important question.


My Top 3 Priorities for Children

1. Safe, Supportive & Inclusive Schools
Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. I would focus on student well-being, school safety, and inclusive learning environments.
2. Stronger Learning & Future-Ready Skills
I would prioritize strong foundations in literacy and mathematics while strengthening practical skills such as technology, financial literacy, critical thinking, communication, and career readiness.
3. Stronger Parent Partnership & Communication
Parents are essential partners in a child’s education. I would work to strengthen communication between families and schools, ensure parents have meaningful opportunities to share concerns and ideas, and make sure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their children.

I hope I’ve answered your question clearly. I ask for your support and your vote for Mandy Kaur. Please share this message so, together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive school system where every student and family matters.

Regards
Mandy Kaur
Election Day: October 26, 2026
Website: mandykb580.ca
Email: mandykb580@gmail.com
Instagram & Facebook: @mandykb580




McQuail Rachel
Email: RachelMcQuailWRDSBTrustee@gmail.com
Nomination date: Jul 31, 2026

RESPONSE
Iwould say my top three priorities for our students is for our education system to be a safe, inclusive space where they can thrive and learn to the best of their abilities. This is not a simple task and to create this environment requires all of us to work together. I have attached my postcard which shares a little bit about me and outlines my 3 commitments as a WRDSB Trustee.

I also participated in the WRDSB Trustee All Candidates Meeting at Victoria Hills Community Centre today, the recording of which will be posted on About the Candidates - Vision Waterloo Region in the next couple days.

Please let me know if you have further questions,
Rachel



Sookram, Narine Da
tAddress: 119 Frey Crescent
Email: drnarinedatsookram@gmail.com
Phone: (519) 589-4485
Website: drnarinedatsookram.com
Nomination date: Aug 20, 2026

RESPONSE
Very good question by the way. I am responding to your email here, but please check out my website as well and feel free to Google my full name as well. Thanks!

1. Student Mental Health, Well-Being and Safety
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, respected and that they belong at school. I would advocate for strong mental-health supports, positive school climates, meaningful student voice, and early access to services. WRDSB’s current planning also identifies student well-being, belonging and engagement as key areas of focus.

2. Academic Achievement and Closing Achievement GapsStudents should have the support they need to succeed academically, particularly in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving. I would support evidence-informed strategies, early intervention, measurable outcomes and targeted resources so that students who are struggling are not left behind. WRDSB’s stated achievement goal is for every student to meet or exceed provincial standards.

3. Equity, Inclusion and Future ReadinessI want every student to have equitable access to opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. I would support inclusive learning environments, stronger family and community partnerships, career exploration, skilled trades, employment preparation, digital literacy and responsible use of technology and AI. WRDSB’s strategic directions include equitable opportunities and outcomes and stronger family and community connections.

What I also bring to this role is a combination of education, social work, mental health, leadership, research and community experience. My Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Education, and professional experience in mental health, social services, program leadership, clinical supervision, adult learning, facilitation and community engagement have prepared me to listen to diverse perspectives, understand complex issues and advocate for practical, evidence-informed solutions.

My DSW research on Best Practices for Inclusive Hiring also strengthened my understanding of equity, inclusion and removing barriers for people who have experienced inequity. I believe these skills can help me contribute thoughtfully at the Board table while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the success, safety, well-being and future of our children.

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to share my priorities. I would be honoured to serve the students, families, staff and communities of WRDSB.

With gratitude,
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, OMC, DSW
Candidate, WRDSB Trustee for the City of Kitchener
Former Mayoral Candidate, City of Kitchener (2018)
Author, Rising Above: My Path to Outstanding Achievements
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram – Professional website for Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, a doctorate-level therapist showcasing credentials, awards, community leadership, and trustee campaign information.



Taghizadeh-Heroux, Sara
Email: saraheroux@gmail.com
Website: saraheroux.com
Nomination date: Jun 04, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to learn more about the candidates. I appreciate the question.

If I had to identify my top three priorities for students this term, they would be:

1. Student success and pathways to their future. I want every student to have strong academic foundations and the opportunity to discover a pathway that fits their strengths and goals—whether that is university, college, apprenticeships, skilled trades, the workforce or community-based opportunities.

2. Safe, healthy and supportive schools. Students and staff deserve to feel safe at school. I would advocate for appropriate classroom and special-education supports, mental-health resources, safe learning environments and improvements to school conditions that affect learning and well-being.

3. Removing barriers that prevent students from succeeding. Every child comes to school with different needs. I want resources directed where they have the greatest impact, including supports for students who are struggling and basic needs such as school food programs. A child who is hungry, struggling or doesn't have the support they need will have a much harder time learning

.Underlying all three is something I feel very strongly about: listening to students, parents, educators and our community. Trustees need to ask questions, be transparent about decisions and measure whether what we are doing is actually improving outcomes for students.

I have spent more than a decade involved in parent engagement and education advocacy, and those experiences have taught me that the best solutions often come from listening to the people experiencing the challenges firsthand.

Thank you again for reaching out, and please don't hesitate to contact me with any other questions.

Warm regards,
Sara Taghizadeh-Heroux
Candidate for WRDSB Trustee – Kitchener
Strong Schools. Strong Communities. Stronger Futures.

The Following Candidates did Not Respond:
Uche Michael Emelife
Sajid Mohamed Farooq Kolsawala
Julia Malott
Saidy Baboucarr
Ibtissam Soliman