Election Day: Monday, October 26Make a voting plan

Candidate for TCDSB Catholic School Trustee · Ward 1

Experience that's already working for Ward 1.

For more than 10 years, Jennifer Di Francesco has shown up for TCDSB students, parents and Catholic school communities—at the school, ward and Board levels.

See Jennifer's record Explore priorities

Jennifer Di Francesco, candidate for Catholic School Trustee in Ward 1 — Jennifer Di FrancescoParent leader · Advocate · Community builder

10+years on Parent Council

7years representing Ward 1 on CPIC

7years as an OAPCE representative

2years on SEAC representing CADDAC

Documented advocacy. Measurable results.

From parent voice to Board action.

Jennifer has spent more than a decade bringing student and family concerns through TCDSB's formal decision-making process—from school council and Ward 1 representation to CPIC, SEAC and the Board of Trustees.

School leadership

CSPC member, secretary and Chair
Secondary admissions and fundraising advocacy
Traffic and safety concerns brought to TCDSB
Student Nutrition Program Coordinator

Ward-wide leadership

Ward 1 CPIC representative for seven years
Progressed from representative to Vice-Chair to Chair
Advanced parent communication and engagement
Represented families through CPIC, SEAC and OAPCE

Board-wide advocacy

At least six formally delivered TCDSB delegations
Right to Read and community-engagement advocacy
Special-education motions advanced through SEAC
Committee recommendations brought to the Board

Results that moved beyond the committee table

Policy work with a documented path to action.

Board-wide result

ADHD Awareness Month

Brought forward the successful SEAC motion that led TCDSB to recognize October as ADHD Awareness Month—expanding awareness, information and support for students and families.

School safety

Safer access around schools

Advanced a CPIC motion on dangerous snow and ice conditions that reached the Board and resulted in formal advocacy to the City of Toronto and Mayor.

Parent recognition

Parent Volunteer of the Year Award

Helped establish the CPIC award so exceptional parent and guardian volunteers across TCDSB schools could receive Board-wide recognition.

Special education

Closing gaps for students and families

Initiated action on record keeping and advanced proposals addressing accommodations and disciplinary practices for students with special-education needs.

Jennifer Di Francesco with Catholic education community leaders at a parent engagement event — Working togetherShowing up for Catholic school communities.

What Jennifer is focused on

Five priorities. One clear purpose.

Better outcomes and stronger representation for every Ward 1 school community.

Student Achievement & Well-Being

Strong learning outcomes and school environments where every student can grow, belong and thrive.

Better Special Education Supports

Earlier intervention, appropriate accommodations and clearer communication with families.

Meaningful Parent Voice

Parents and guardians deserve a real seat at the table when decisions affect their children.

Accountability & Transparency

Clear communication, accessible representation and decisions the community can understand.

Nurturing Catholic Education

Catholic education grounded in faith, dignity, service, community and care for one another.

Jennifer Di Francesco serving as CPIC Chair — Serving as CPIC Chair

Meet Jennifer

A parent advocate who knows the system from the inside.

Jennifer is a wife and mother of two school-age children. Her TCDSB journey began when her oldest entered JK and she joined Parent Council as Vice-Chair. What started at one school grew into more than a decade of service across Ward 1 and at the Board level.

Her family's own experience navigating special education made the gaps impossible to ignore. Jennifer learned the system, brought difficult issues forward and worked to make it easier for other families to be heard.

“Parents should not have to fight alone to get their children the support they need.”

Recognition

Service recognized by the Catholic education community.

Jennifer Di Francesco receiving an OAPCE parent volunteer award — OAPCE parent volunteer recognition

2021

OAPCE Parent Volunteer of Excellence Award

2024–2025

CPIC Parent Volunteer of the Year

Build a stronger voice for Ward 1

There's a place for you in this campaign.

Help reach Catholic school families, display a lawn sign or make a contribution to support the campaign.

VolunteerJoin Jennifer's campaign team Request a lawn signUse the campaign sign-up form DonateSupport the campaign

Make your plan to vote

Your vote is your voice.

Vote by mail request deadlineSept. 24 · 4:30 p.m.

Advance votingOct. 6–11 · 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Election DayOct. 26 · 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

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