Over the past few days I was made aware of information that has allowed me to realise something uncomfortable; that over the past year: in our school system, a parent who speaks up is often treated as a threat.
Not a partner.
Not a caregiver.
Not someone trying to improve things for their kids.
They are treated as A THREAT.
I’ve not only seen it firsthand. I’m living it firsthand.
When I raise concerns, ask questions, or request clarity, the reaction isn’t collaboration — it’s defensiveness. Sometimes it’s escalation.
Sometimes it’s being labeled as “harassing” or “intimidating,” even when all I’ve done is ask for information or point out inconsistencies.
And here’s the part that hits hardest: some of my posts — posts where I talk openly about systemic issues, transparency, and fairness — have been interpreted as attempts to harass the Board.
Even posts made here, where I mention that I am running for trustee have been interpreted this way. In fact, these posts have been described to an investigator as “harassing” and “intimidating.”
Despite the fact that they are posts that are protected under the Municipal Elections Act.
Sadly this isn’t the only situation where someone from the Board has over reached.
That interpretation doesn’t just miss the point.
It proves the point.
Because when a parent’s advocacy is seen as hostility, that’s a sign of a system that has stopped listening.
When asking questions is treated as aggression, that’s a sign of a system that fears accountability.
When neurodivergent communication — directness, structure, clarity — is misread as intimidation, that’s a sign of a system that isn’t accessible.
I’m writing this because I know I’m not the only one who feels this.
Parents talk.
Parents share stories.
Parents warn each other about what happens when you speak up too loudly or too often.
And that’s the problem.
Parents shouldn’t be afraid of their school board.
Parents shouldn’t be treated like adversaries.
Parents shouldn’t be punished for caring.
I’m here because I want better for my kids — and for every kid.
I’m here because I believe in transparency, fairness, and accountability.
I’m here because parents deserve to be heard, not feared.
This is my space to talk openly about what I’ve experienced, what I’ve learned, and what needs to change.
Not as a headline.
Not just as a candidate.
But as a parent who is putting themselves forward and refuses to stay silent when the system gets it wrong.
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