HDSB trustee candidate Q&A: Meet Ross Montgomery

Residents of Wards 1 and 2 in Burlington head to the polls this month in a by-election to fill the vacant trustee seat on the Halton District School Board (HDSB). BurlingtonToday reached out to all 8 of the registered candidates to find out why they are running and their mandates if elected. Today, meet Ross Montgomery.

Candidate background

I’m a 19-year-old, born-and-raised Burlington boy who grew up in the HDSB system going to Charles R Beaudoin from Grades 1-3, Tom Thompson from Grades 4-6, and Central PS from Grades 7-12. I have two jobs: a part-time and a full-time. My full-time job is as a telecom rigger; I climb cell towers upwards of 300 feet to upgrade and install new cellular tech.

Political/ leadership experience 

This is my first go at politics, unless you count Student Senate. 

Why are you running?

I was looking for ways to get involved in my community and during my time in high school I felt as if student voices weren’t being heard, like when online learning practices were put in place during COVID. By running, I seek to help make those students' voices heard and create a more open and diverse conversation, helping silenced or shy voices make a change.

What do you see as the key challenges facing HDSB?

I think a big challenge we will see in the future for Wards 1 and 2 is a strain on capacity in our schools with an increase in new developments across Wards 1 and 2. As more GTA residents move west with more remote work opportunities, I believe this will be an ongoing issue. We’ve already seen it in Aldershot with the previous board having to complete a boundary change for Glenview and Maplehurst public schools  because of impending capacity issues.

If elected, what would be your top priority?

My top priority would be to increase transparency of the actions of the board to my constituents. Most of the residents of Wards 1 and 2 I’ve had the pleasure to talk with about this by-election don’t even know it’s going on, so I’d work to implement easier, more accessible info for busy parents, guardians and the like who maybe don’t have the time to speak at, attend or watch meetings.

Why should residents vote for you?

I think as a young person who only a few short years ago left the HDSB school system I’d bring a unique point of view to the job. At the heart and soul of an HDSB trustee is the duty to encourage student success and growth, and I think I am especially qualified for that position as I know first-hand the issues burdening students, whether it be in terms of mental or physical well-being in today's learning climate. 

Online voting in the Ward 1-2 trustee by-election is May 15-19. Advance polls will be held Wednesday, May 24 and election day is Monday, May 29. Find out more on the HDSB website.