WEBSITE: www.christonks.com

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
I am the best candidate for Trustee because I have a deep understanding of the various unique communities that make up York South-Weston. I was born and raised in the community and make my home here. Understanding our children and their family’s needs is key to delivering effective representation at the Toronto District School Board. I have passionately advocated on your behalf for the past four years as your Trustee and have ensured the educational needs of our children our being delivered. I will continue to do this as your Trustee.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
There are two keys changes I would like to see at the Board. First, I would like to see the TDSB embrace opportunities to develop relevant programming and curriculum for our children. This will have a significant impact on reducing the drop-out rate of our youth. Second, I would like to see our Board work and co-ordinate with the various social service agencies and our municipal government partners to meet the social needs of our children in the communities in which they live.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
We have lost nearly 40,000 students in our system over the past 10 years. Tough decisions will have to be made. Also, York South-Weston has some of the oldest schools in the Board. Investing in these facilities may result in cuts to children’s programming and this is unacceptable. Our children deserve modern, clean, and safe schools. Any savings should go towards hiring more EA’s, ECE’s, and support workers. Any proposal to close a local school must result in re-investment at neighbouring community schools. Further, the TDSB must be transparent and honest with our communities during any closure process.

4. Do you support the province’s decision to try to negotiate two-year, no wage increase contracts with the school board’s unionized employees when existing agreements expire?
The decision for the Province to try to negotiate a two year wage freeze with our member unions when their collective bargaining agreements expire should be dependent on the economic conditions at that point and time. Clearly there are many worries about our present economic circumstances. I have several friends who have lost their jobs during this economic downturn. Any negotiations must be bargained in good faith and with transparency. However, I do believe that pay scales across all sectors should keep pace with the cost of living.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I am 33 years old and work as a lawyer at a community law firm. I am married to my wife Melissa and we have one daughter. At the TDSB, I am the co-chair of the Inner City Advisory Committee and have served on both the Programs and School Services and Human Resources Committee. I have also served on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success which is a charitable organization dedicated to addressing the various needs of our most vulnerable and needy students through the delivery of nutrition, health, and social programs.