York Catholic District School Board Trustee · Markham Wards 1, 2, 3 & 6

Stronger Catholic education. Accountable representation.

A focused trustee platform for students, families, Catholic education, and responsible board governance.

Explore the platform

For York Catholic District School Board Trustee — Markham Wards 1, 2, 3 & 6.

Denys Petika Catholic school trustee campaign poster — Denys PetikaMarkham

A message for students and families

You don't build a better future by wishing for it.

Education forms you into the person strong enough to build it.

Greatness is never simply given — it is formed through faith, knowledge, discipline and character.

Catholic education is not only about changing the world around you. It begins by changing you — strengthening your faith, forming your character, developing your mind, and preparing you to serve others.

Form the person. Strengthen the faith. Build the future.

Aerial view of a Markham neighbourhood and community park

Markham streetscape with a bright flower planter

A practical trustee platform

The campaign priorities

Fix what failed.

Financial Accountability · Governance & Oversight · Leadership & Stability · Risk & Long-Term Planning

Financial accountability

Deficits
Depleted reserves
Financial mismanagement
Financial forecasting
Spending controls
Financial recovery plans
Realistic budgeting
Protection of classroom resources
Transparent financial reporting

Governance & oversight

Trustee oversight
Accountability of administration
Governance concerns
Transparent decision-making
Public accountability
Clear responsibilities
Monitoring board performance
Provincial intervention or supervision as evidence of the seriousness of governance problems

Leadership & stability

Leadership changes
Continuity of leadership
Institutional stability
Clear responsibility
Accountability for decisions
Identifying problems early
Acting before problems become crises

Risk & long-term planning

Early identification of financial and operational risks
High-risk financial assumptions
Realistic forecasting
Enrolment changes
Capital pressures
Infrastructure pressures
Transportation costs
Technology costs
Long-term financial planning
Avoiding unrealistic assumptions

Protect what matters.

Catholic Faith & Identity · Students & Classroom Education · Parents, Families & Community Voice · Safe, Respectful & Supportive Schools · Protect Successful Programs

Students & Classroom Support

Student achievement
Educational quality
Literacy and mathematics
Teachers and classroom resources
Special education
Educational supports
Mental-health supports
Mental Health & Specialized Support for Every Child
Successful academic programs
Supporting teachers and classroom staff
Keeping resources focused on students

Parents, Families & Community Voice

Meaningful parent involvement
Trustee accessibility
Accessible trustee representation
Regular communication
Catholic School Councils
Parent concerns and follow-up
Community meetings
School and community meetings
Listening to students
Transparent communication with families
Stronger connection among trustee, schools, families and community

Catholic Education & Values

Catholic identity
Safe and respectful schools
Protect Catholic education
Catholic values and identity
Faith formation
Religious education
Relationship between schools, families and parishes
Catholic School Councils
Catholic education and community
Catholic community involvement
Human dignity, service and responsibility
Preserving the distinctive purpose of Catholic schools

Safe, Respectful & Supportive Schools

Student safety
Bullying prevention
Mental health
Attendance
Accessibility
Respect and belonging
Appropriate discipline
Safe learning environments
Support for vulnerable students

Protect Successful Programs

Identify programs that are producing results
Preserve successful academic initiatives
Protect effective special-education supports
Protect successful enrichment opportunities
Maintain programs valued by students and families
Measure results before eliminating or substantially changing programs

Prepare for what’s next.

Academic opportunity, skills, AI and technology, trades and careers, modern facilities, and economic resilience.

Academic opportunity & skills

Expand pathways that help students build strong foundations, practical skills, and confidence for the future.

AI, technology, trades & careers

Support thoughtful technology readiness and meaningful exposure to trades, careers, and post-secondary options.

Modern facilities & resilience

Advocate for well-planned facilities and responsible long-term decisions that keep schools ready for changing needs.

Campaign brochure