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← Toronto Catholic District School Board - Ward 5

Maria Rizzo

Candidate for Toronto Catholic District School Board - Ward 5

Elected (official result)

In their own words

canva.com — Maria Rizzo’s campaign website, opens in a new tabFacebook — Maria Rizzo on Facebook, verified, opens in a new tab

Where they stand

Every candidate in this race is shown against the same 2 issues, in the same order, whether or not we’ve found something for each one. Why we do it this way.

What a trustee actually does

Does the candidate understand the trustee job?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Trustee since 2003 and former TCDSB Chair and Vice-Chair, citing over $100 million in ward school investments and smaller classes.

  • Represented families at the TCDSB since 2003, serving as both Chair and Vice-Chair.
  • Cites more than $100 million in new schools, additions and playgrounds in the ward.
  • Cites fewer split grades, fewer portables, lower class sizes, full-day kindergarten, more childcare centres and improved learning environments.
  • Says students and families must always come before bureaucracy.
“Students and families must always come before bureaucracy.”

(a page or more)

Source: Re-elect Maria Rizzo · October 24, 2026

Confidence:High

Fights to keep strong Catholic schools in every neighbourhood, keep public school lands in public hands, and protect Catholic education.

  • Fights to keep strong Catholic schools in every neighbourhood and to keep public school lands in public hands.
  • Works with the Church to protect Catholic education and keep Catholic schools in every neighbourhood.
  • Focuses on protecting neighbourhood schools, renewing classrooms and playgrounds, and restoring International Languages.
“Maria fights to keep strong Catholic schools in every neighbourhood—and to keep public school lands in public hands.”

(a page or more)

Source: Re-elect Maria Rizzo · October 24, 2026

Confidence:High

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Student wellbeing and learning

Will kids be safe, supported and learning well?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Works for safe, welcoming and inclusive schools, with better access to mental-health and Special Education services and safer schools.

  • Works for safe, welcoming and inclusive schools where every student is respected, supported and able to succeed.
  • Has fought for better access to mental-health and Special Education services, safer schools, and school greening.
  • Supports the community use of schools and the protection of strong neighbourhood schools.
“Maria works for safe, welcoming and inclusive schools where every student is respected, supported and able to succeed.”

(a page or more)

Source: Re-elect Maria Rizzo · October 24, 2026

Confidence:High

Has long fought for universal student nutrition programs, so every child can eat at school with dignity and without stigma or a pay barrier.

  • Says hungry children cannot learn.
  • Every child should be able to eat at school with dignity, without stigma and without their family's ability to pay becoming a barrier.
  • Her 2024 motion calling for a universal student nutrition program was carried.
“Every child should be able to eat at school with dignity, without stigma and without their family's ability to pay becoming a barrier.”

(a page or more)

Source: Re-elect Maria Rizzo · October 24, 2026

Confidence:High

Is fighting to bring back International Languages after the weekday program was eliminated from 44 schools this September.

  • Says the weekday International Languages program was eliminated from 44 schools this September.
  • Cites 77 instructors losing jobs and 19,200 students losing the program.
  • Says she has petitioned, emailed and spoken out, and the fight to bring the program back continues.
“The fight to bring International Languages back continues.”

(a few sentences)

Source: Maria Rizzo — Facebook post · September 27, 2026

Confidence:High

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