• I am a former Edmonton Public School elementary teacher

• I was elected as a TDSB School Trustee 

• I was born and raised in Ward F

• My kids are both EPSB students

• I am an active community leader

​​

I grew up in this ward and graduated from Westbrook, then Grandview Junior High, and finally Scona High School. I then completed my Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta. While completing my degree, I worked at the Green Shack program in Lendrum, volunteered at McKernan, and did teaching practicums at Malmo and Sweet Grass. I was soon hired by the Edmonton Public School Board as a Substitute Teacher (Supply Teacher). I find it remarkable and satisfying to know that many of my former students have gone on to a variety of successful careers as a nurse, accountant, and journalist to name a few. I left teaching and Edmonton to begin working in government to improve the lives of students. 

 

I moved to Toronto, and in 2014 I was elected as a School Trustee for the Toronto District School Board. At the TDSB, I was elected Chair of the Budget Committee with a $3.1 Billion Operating Budget. As the Chair of the Budget Committee, I successfully eliminated the structural deficit without impacting classrooms by cutting central discretionary budgets for Superintendents and cutting School Trustee budgets by more than 50%.

​

I added a total of 134 childcare spaces in my community for infants, toddlers, kindergarten and school aged. I also added special education program offerings in my community for students with Autism and made a motion to raise a flag for Autism Awareness Day. I worked hard to expand access to specialty programs and added French Immersion to four more schools in my community, a new gifted program and a new STEM specialty program at a high school. I led the fight to fix our schools and ensured repairs were completed. I stood up to fight against hatred and bullying and to keep Marijuana stores away from elementary schools.

​

As a School Trustee, I had a 97% attendance record at board meetings and was constantly holding Ward Forums to make myself accessible to constituents and answer their questions. In fact, I held 32 ward forums in four years - more than any other School Trustee. I also worked hard to attend graduations and attended 120 graduations over four years!

​

I remain active in my community and I am currently on the parent council at my children's school and a volunteer with the Friends of Terwillegar Park Society. In my recent role as the Program Director for Brookview Community League, I organized a community fitness event and started up a community garden. I was previously the Vice President of Garneau Community League. I have also coached boys and girls soccer teams in Aspen Gardens and Grandview.

​

I believe Experience Matters when choosing the best candidate for EPSB School Trustee.

​

On Monday October 18, Vote KEN LISTER.