ABOUT ME

  • Trustee, YCDSB (2014-2018)

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Toronto

  • Appointed to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada (2 yrs) and the Employment Insurance Board of Referees (7 yrs)

  • Member of the Law Commission of Ontario Community Council

  • Extensive experience (28 years) in policy and Government relations

  • Member of Catholic School Councils (Chair / Vice-Chair; 2008-2014)

  • Recipient of Volunteerism Awards

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Increased funding for Special Education Programs

  • Introduced the French Immersion Program at Father Bressani Catholic High School

  • Expanded the International Baccalaureate Program for Vaughan

  • Preserved and ensured the continuation of the Italian International Language Extended Day Program

  • Approved the Board’s first High Performance Athlete Program located in Vaughan

  • Enhanced our Board’s Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Strategy to raise awareness and help students feel safe 

  • Established a new Exam Scheduling Policy and a new High School Exam Review Day Policy

  • Established new Elementary and High School Religion Curriculum and Resources

  • Chapels in all Schools and Prayer Centres in all Classrooms

DEDICATED TO

  • Putting students’ needs at the center of all decisions

  • Promoting and preserving Catholic Education

  • Improving student achievement and enhancing programs

  • Being accessible and collaborative with all stakeholders

  • Fiscal accountability and transparency

  • Improving Community input regarding important issues

  • Increasing 21st Century Learning 

Message From Maria

“It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since I was elected to serve the York Catholic District School Board's Communities in Vaughan.  Together we have made great strides throughout my term as Trustee, from both a student achievement and student well-being perspective.  It has been my pleasure and privilege to represent the Vaughan School Communities, and I hope we’ll continue to work together to help our students succeed.” Maria Marchese, Trustee, York Catholic District School Board

IF RE-ELECTED I COMMIT TO

  • Continue to increase Board spending on special education funding above low Government funding levels

  • Introduce the Advanced Placement Program to more schools

  • Continue to enhance 21st Century Learning resources

  • Investigate options for installing shading facilities in elementary school yards

  • Advocate for the implementation of a Safe School Arrival Program in our Secondary Schools

  • Expand the ORFF Musical Instrument Program to more elementary schools

  • Continue to enhance our mental health and anti-bullying strategies to raise awareness and help our students feel safe