Hitesh Parikh Candidate for Durham District School Board Trustee · Pickering
Together We Can build strong, safe, inclusive schools.
I'm running for Durham District School Board Trustee to champion student well-being, real accountability, and stronger partnerships between families and schools.
A dedicated community member, ready to serve Pickering families.
I bring extensive experience in professional development and education to my campaign for Durham District School Board Trustee. I'm focused on practical, community-driven solutions that put students first.
As trustee, I will work to make sure every family has a voice in how our schools are run, and that every student has the support they need to thrive.
What I will fight for on the school board.
Four priorities driving my campaign, straight from the doors of Pickering.
Student Mental Health
Making student well-being a top priority, with real support systems in every school.
- Push to add more counsellors and mental health staff in schools that are currently underserved
- Advocate for a clear board-wide early-intervention and referral policy, so no school is guessing what to do
- Hold regular town halls with parents and students to hear concerns directly and report back on what the board is doing about them
AI & STEM Learning
Bringing AI literacy into the classroom and strengthening focus on STEM education.
- Push the board to adopt a clear, responsible AI-in-classroom policy so teachers and students aren't left figuring it out on their own
- Advocate for more STEM funding (labs, coding, robotics) at schools that have less of it today
- Support partnerships with Durham College, Ontario Tech, and local employers for real student mentorship and exposure
Budget Transparency
More detailed spending reports so families can see exactly how the allotted budget is used.
- Push for plain-language, itemized budget reports published for parents, not just high-level summaries
- Ask pointed public questions on spending at board meetings before votes, not after
- Advocate for an annual public "where the money went" report on the board's website
Parent Partnership
Building a stronger, more transparent partnership between schools and parents.
- Hold regular in-person and virtual office hours in Pickering so parents have direct access to their trustee
- Push for earlier, mandatory parent consultation before major school-level decisions like program or boundary changes
- Strengthen School Council input so parent voices actually reach the board table, not just the principal's office
Every vote shapes the future of our schools.
Positive Change
Your vote brings the fresh perspective and accountability our schools need.
Your Kids' Future
School board decisions directly shape the education and opportunities your children receive. What a trustee actually does →
A Positive Environment
Your vote helps create safer, more inclusive schools for the whole community.
How to vote in Pickering
Voting is online this year. It takes about two minutes, and you can do it from home days before Election Day.
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Watch for your Voter Information Letter
The City of Pickering mails every registered voter a letter with the voting website address and a personal PIN. You need that PIN to vote online, so keep the letter somewhere safe.
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Vote online, October 19–26
The online ballot is open for eight full days. Enter your PIN, work your way down the ballot, and you're done. Election Day is Monday, October 26 — you can also vote by paper ballot in person that day.
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Don't skip the school board section
Trustee is the last race on the ballot and the one most people leave blank. It decides who oversees your child's school, their programs and their support. Please vote it.
Pickering elects two school board trustees.
So you aren't choosing just one name — you get two votes. I'm asking for one of them.
Full guide: how to vote in Pickering →
To vote for a Durham District School Board trustee you must be registered as an English public school supporter. You can check your registration — or change your school support designation, any time up to October 26 — through the City of Pickering Clerk's Office at pickering.ca/vote or 905.420.4660 ext. 8683.
Ready to help elect Hitesh Parikh?
Volunteer, spread the word, or just reach out with questions. Every bit of support counts before October 26th.
Vote Hitesh Parikh
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to me any time.