WEBSITE: www.teamShahid.ca

EMAIL: info@teamShahid.ca

PHONE: 416-802-1681

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
There are three main reasons why I am the best candidate for trustee. First, I have over 15 years of experience managing multi-million dollar projects. This means that I am well trained in getting things done on time, within budget, and with limited resources. Second, I am a new candidate. This means that my fresh, new perspective will help generate new solutions to old problems. Third, I understand the needs of the diverse communities in DVW. This means that I will truly represent these communities and protect their interests in our publicly funded education system.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
In the next four years, I would like to see:
* Working with provincial government and finding solutions to repair renewal backlog,
* Openness, transparency and accountability and make sure class rooms money is spent on the class rooms,
* More use of technology and refresh old technology in classrooms,
* Higher level of parents and communities engagement in schools,
* Offering low-cost continuing education courses in schools, specially around high-rise neighborhoods, where adults can walk to schools and enjoy leaning.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
The core issue here is funding formula, or the allocation and spending of fund. To keep the books balance, the board sells off “surplus” properties as last resort. But, the question is, how long will the last resort work? How long will we keep selling off the school properties to pay the “credit card bills”? We need a different thinking, different approach to solve the issues, starting from the funding formula. These properties can be used for continuing education.

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 provincial government has jurisdiction over it, so no comments as it is beyond a trustee’s role.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I live in Don Valley West with my wife and two children, both of whom attend public school. I am well connected in my community, in part because of my role as a children’s soccer coach and my role in assisting new immigrants with their resumes and their job searches. I have an undergraduate degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Computer Sciences, and I have taught at community college. I also devote a portion of my leisure time to the on-going private study of philosophy and politics. I like cycling, swimming, reading books, and travelling to other countries.