SOS TDSB Demands Democracy: We Need a By-Election in Don Valley West
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – Save Our Schools (SOS) TDSB, a coalition of students, parents, educators, and community members dedicated to promoting student achievement and well-being, is urging the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to uphold democratic principles by holding a by-election to fill the trustee vacancy in Don Valley West. The vacancy was created following the election of former TDSB Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin (Don Valley West), to Toronto City Council on November 6, 2024.
On Wednesday, TDSB Trustee Weidong Pei (Willowdale) will present a motion to the Board, advocating for a by-election rather than an appointment process to select Chernos-Lin’s successor. The motion highlights that a by-election would ensure transparency and democratic participation, allowing residents of Don Valley West to choose their representative.
“The TDSB exists to serve the community, and the community deserves the right to elect their trustee,” said Michael Teper, spokesperson for SOS TDSB. “Appointing a trustee behind closed doors undermines democracy and disenfranchises voters in Don Valley West. The cost of a by-election is a small price to pay for preserving the integrity of local governance.”
Trustee Pei emphasized the importance of respecting democratic values in his motion. “The principle of local democratic control is at the heart of public education,” said Pei. “This vacancy should be filled through a full and fair electoral process. The people of Don Valley West must have a voice in choosing their representative, especially with over 1.5 years left in the term.”
SOS TDSB urges the TDSB to prioritize democracy and accountability by supporting Trustee Pei’s motion.
The group is calling on all stakeholders to attend the meeting on Wednesday and voice their support for a by-election, as well as email the Minister of Education at minster.edu@ontario.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Teper, Director, SOS TDSB
rmichaelteper@gmail.com / (416) 458-7734
