Embedded Files
As candidates for OCDSB trustee, we are individually committed to these shared principles. These principles aim to provide clear information for voters regarding our positions and values. Should we be elected, this statement will guide us in working together to make decisions in the best interests of students and our school communities.
Local democracy: For over two hundred years, local communities have been represented by democratically elected school board trustees. We believe that the unelected supervision of the OCDSB should be ended immediately in order to restore democracy, transparency, and accountability to our local school communities. If we are elected, we will work to end the supervision of our school board and we commit to being transparent and accountable to the communities we represent.
Student support: All students have a right to a free, public school system that meets their individual needs. We believe that the chronic underfunding of our school board has resulted in a reduction of programs, supports, and educators. This is an acute crisis felt most deeply by students who have disabilities and are being excluded from school due to a lack of resources. We believe that trustees must advocate for change to ensure that all students are given what they need to succeed.
No hate in our schools: Students deserve an education that is inclusive, empathetic, and helps build a future without hate. We are committed to eradicating ableism, anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, misogyny, queerphobia, sinophobia, and all other forms of hate from our school board through representation, education, individual support, and involvement in diverse, local communities.
Co-operation: Our priority is effective representation of the needs of our students and school communities. We understand that cooperation among trustees is paramount to ensure that your voices are heard by the board’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Education Officer, the Minister of Education, and the Supervisor, as long as such a position exists.
Working for you: The trustee position is a job that has two phases: one under the provincially-appointed supervisor and one when the supervisor is relieved and democratically elected trustees assume their responsibilities. While the board is under supervision, the work of a trustee remains ongoing. We are committed to amplifying your concerns, advocating for your needs, and helping school communities have a voice at the board level. When the board’s appointed supervisor is removed and elected trustees assume their responsibilities, we are committed to working constructively with the board executive team as we represent our school communities for the betterment of our public school system.
Statement co-signed by:
PRESSER
PRESSER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 August 2026
OCDSB trustee candidates unite to defend public education and restore local democracy
OTTAWA - Candidates for Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee gathered outside OCDSB headquarters Wednesday to announce a shared statement of principles and call on the Ford government to end its takeover of the board and restore decision-making power to democratically elected trustees.
The candidates, who are running independent campaigns, also called on the Ford government to immediately end provincial supervision of the OCDSB and restore decision-making authority to democratically elected trustees.
The list of trustee candidates who have signed on to the statement are as follows:
Zone 1 (West Carleton-March/Stittsville/Rideau-Jock): John MacRae (social media) (website)
Zone 3 (Barrhaven West/Barrhaven East): Daniel Pershick (website)
Zone 4 (Bay/Kitchissipi): Emily Quaile (website)
Zone 5 (College/Knoxdale-Merivale): Natasha Lynn Mott (website)
Zone 6 (Rideau-Vanier/Rideau-Rockcliffe): Chris Durrant (website)
Zone 10 (Sommerset): Keelin Pringnitz (website)
Zone 11(River/Gloucester-Southgate): Brendan Ray (social media)
Zone 12 (Orléans West-Innes/Beacon-Hill Cyrville): Cathy Varrette
“Parents, students and educators deserve more than decisions being made for them behind closed doors by a provincially appointed supervisor,” said Emily Quaile, candidate for Zone 4. “The Ford government needs to end this takeover, restore local democracy and start listening to the people who actually depend on our public schools.”
The candidates also pointed to the growing consequences of chronic underfunding, particularly for students with disabilities who are too often left without adequate classroom supports.
“Our schools are being asked to do more and more with less and less, and students are paying the price,” said Keelin Pringnitz, candidate for Zone 10. “Trustees need to be prepared to fight for the funding our schools need, stand up for students who are being left behind, and refuse to accept cuts as the new normal.”
The candidates have committed to five principles:
Local democracy: End provincial supervision of the OCDSB and restore democratic, transparent and accountable local governance.
Student support: Advocate for the funding, staffing, programming and supports necessary to meet the individual needs of every student.
No hate in our schools: Work to eradicate racism, ableism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, queerphobia, misogyny and all other forms of hate and discrimination from OCDSB schools.
Co-operation: Work constructively with fellow trustees and school communities to ensure their voices are heard by decision-makers.
Working for you: Continue representing and advocating for school communities during provincial supervision and, once democratic governance is restored, exercise trustees’ full responsibilities in the interests of students and public education.
For media inquiries:
Sam Hersh
514-867-0799
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