EMAIL: electsanjay@gmail.com

PHONE: 647-400-7128

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
First, I have an understanding of different education systems because of my education in different countries of the world. Second, I have international work experience in customer facing roles and I understand the needs of customers. Third, I volunteered for the Accommodation Review Committee which was formed in 2008 as a result of analysis related to four schools in Scarborough which was conducted by TDSB to revitalize student programs. As a member, I worked with School staff, students, community and local business representatives to provide input which was vital in shaping the direction for future student programs, facilities and finances.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
There are numerous challenges before the school board. There is a need for new blood to come in and have a fresh approach to review the current system. The current backlog clearly shows that not enough is done by current leaders. Apart from experience, knowledge and passion are extremely important to improve the existing weak system. The changes which I would like to see and also be a part of would be to address the funding shortfall and potentially create more avenues for funding to address poor maintenance and reconstruction of schools by involving local community and avoiding political interference.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
The reason for the existence of schools is to educate the community. Schools should not be closed to just generate dollars and the properties should not be used for any purposes which are detrimental to the neighbourhood. If enrollment is decreasing in a particular neighbourhood, then consolidation is ok only if those children are accommodated in the combined school in the same neighborhood with possibly more program choices and teachers. This will not impact the families, but the savings in the dollars can be used to serve other needs of that community, like community hubs and health services.

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?
Negotiation is important in any phase of life. Negotiations should result in a win-win situation. It is the responsibility of the province to closely examine the wages. They need to work with the Board’s employees and arrive at an agreement which ultimately is in the best interest of the school system. We also need to find out means of utilization of funds in the current environment. The ‘no wage increase’ contract comes in picture if the funds are not appropriately used resulting in a deficit. Simultaneously, I will work with parents, teachers and community to find means of additional funding.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I am a resident of Scarborough and am passionate about education. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from India and the Unites States and MBA from University of Toronto. I was on Board of Directors (as a Volunteer) for Community Care Access Centre funded by LHIN through Ministry of Healthcare. I have worked for Fortune 500 companies, dealing with various stakeholders and government organizations. Hence, I understand the importance of education and am capable of working with different stakeholders, i.e. fellow trustees, TDSB, government organizations, to represent the best interests of my community in wards 37 and 38.