Re-Elect Shannon Mitchell

Together, we've invested in the future of Niagara Falls students and families. We built the brand-new Thundering Heights Elementary School, adding 608 student spaces and 49 child care spaces for infants and youth. We expanded Forestview Elementary School with eight new classrooms, a new gymnasium, and additional child care spaces. We also have a proposal before the Ministry of Education to expand Riverview Elementary School, adding 10 new classrooms and 49 child care spaces. This summer, we also opened a brand-new culinary program at Westlane Secondary School, strengthening our investments in skilled trades and hands-on learning.

Together, we've continued to raise the bar for student achievement. Our students have made gains in EQAO results, literacy, and graduation rates, with DSBN students regularly outperforming provincial averages by as much as 15%. These improvements aren't just numbers—they represent better opportunities, stronger outcomes, and a brighter future for students across our community.

Student success means more than academic achievement—it means making sure every student feels welcome, supported, and able to succeed. Together, we've expanded supports by hiring more social workers and youth workers and strengthening our Special Education teams, including the addition of 23 new Education Assistants this school year. We've also expanded our focus on mental health and well-being, including introducing mental health modules into the Grade 10 curriculum.

Our schools are strongest when they are connected to the communities they serve. Throughout my terms as Trustee, I've worked to strengthen that connection through service on the Parent Involvement Committee and Special Education Advisory Committee, as well as through my role as Chair of the Equity and Inclusion Committee. These roles have given me the opportunity to listen to families, students, educators, and community members and help ensure that their voices are reflected in the work of our Board.