Editor's note: BarrieToday has contacted local candidates in the upcoming municipal elections and asked them to provide a profile on themselves and some of their top issues. These profiles will be published in the coming days leading up to the Oct. 26 elections. The following is from Wesley Ayranto, who is running for Simcoe County District School Board trustee in Barrie wards 1, 2 and 3.                            

I’m Wesley Ayranto, a longtime Barrie resident, parent and small-business owner. I’m the parent of two children in Simcoe County District School Board schools, and I’m running for SCDSB trustee for Barrie wards 1, 2 and 3.

I’m running because I believe parents deserve to know what is happening in their children’s schools. As a parent, I haven’t always felt informed — and that needs to change.

Families deserve clear, timely and accessible information about school programs, student safety, school conditions and the decisions that directly affect their children. As your trustee, I will listen to parents and students, communicate clearly, ask the tough questions and make sure your concerns are heard at the board table.

The role of a trustee is changing. Under recent provincial legislation, trustees are no longer responsible for the board’s day-to-day operations or setting the budget.

Those responsibilities now rest with professional staff.

But that does not make the role of trustee less important. It makes strong local representation more important.

A trustee should be a voice for the community — someone who listens, asks questions, demands accountability and helps families understand what the board is doing and why.

That is the kind of trustee I want to be.

My priorities are straightforward: better communication, stronger accountability, safe and positive learning environments, and practical improvements that help students succeed.

I will work to make sure parents are informed, concerns are addressed and our community has a strong voice in the decisions affecting our schools. I’m not running to fight political battles. I’m running as a parent who has children in these schools, cares deeply about our community and believes we can do better.

I’ve built several local businesses in Barrie by working with families and members of our community every day. I know this community. I show up. I listen. And I follow through.

If elected, I will bring that same approach to the trustee’s role: listen to families, ask the tough questions, communicate openly and work for better outcomes for our students.

On Oct. 26, I’m asking for your support to represent Barrie Wards 1, 2 and 3 as your SCDSB trustee.

I’m a parent, a local business owner and a strong voice for Barrie families.