Before the Ballot- School Trustee Edition with Andrea Di Nicola, Candidate for Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee (Separate) – Ward 10

Enjoy this instalment of Before the Ballot- School Trustee Edition with Andrea Di Nicola, Candidate for Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee (Separate)  – Ward 10.

Please tell our readers a little about yourself and what motivated you to seek election as a School Board Trustee.

My name is Andrea Di Nicola, and I have proudly called Ward 10 home for many years. My husband and I are raising our three children in our Catholic school system, giving me firsthand experience as a parent who understands both the opportunities and the challenges facing our schools today.

I have dedicated more than a decade to serving as Chair of the Catholic School Council at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School also being apart of Catholic School council for St. John Henry Newman Highschool and currently serve as President of the Catholic Women's League at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Through these roles, I have worked closely with families, educators, parish members, and community volunteers to strengthen the partnership between home, school, and parish.

In 2022, I ran for School Board Trustee because I believed our community deserved a stronger voice. Although I was not elected, the experience reinforced something I heard repeatedly from parents: they want a trustee who is visible, approachable, and actively engaged.

That commitment has only grown stronger. I am running again because I believe it is time for a change, one that brings renewed leadership, greater transparency, stronger communication, and a trustee who truly represents the families of Ward 10 while protecting and strengthening our Catholic identity.

In your view, what are the three most important issues currently facing students, parents, educators, and the school board, and how would you help address them?

The first priority is strengthening our Catholic identity. Catholic education is about far more than academics. It is about forming compassionate, faith-filled leaders rooted in Gospel values. We must continue to ensure that our Catholic faith remains at the heart of every decision while strengthening the vital connection between school, parish, and home.

Second is improving communication and accountability. Parents deserve timely information, meaningful opportunities to provide input, and confidence that their voices matter. Trustees should not only attend board meetings, they should be visible in their schools, attend community events, and actively engage with families throughout their term.

Third is supporting student success and well-being. Students continue to face challenges with mental health, learning recovery, inclusion, and preparing for future opportunities. Supporting educators with the resources they need while ensuring students receive both academic excellence and emotional support must remain a priority. 

A trustee's role is one of governance rather than day-to-day management. How do you see the relationship between trustees, board administration, and school principals?

A successful school board depends on mutual respect and clearly defined responsibilities.

Trustees establish the vision, policies, strategic priorities, and accountability for the board. The Director of Education and administration are responsible for implementing those policies, while principals provide the day-to-day leadership within their schools.

A trustee should never interfere with operational decisions. Instead, they should listen to their communities, advocate for families, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure that decisions made at the board level reflect the needs and values of the communities they serve.

When each group fulfills its role effectively and communicates openly, everyone benefits, especially students.

What changes or improvements, if any, would you like to see in the delivery of education within our local school system over the next four years?

I would like to see stronger partnerships between schools, parishes, and families. Catholic education is strongest when these three pillars work together, and I believe there is tremendous opportunity to rebuild and strengthen those relationships.

I would also like to see trustees become much more visible and accessible within their communities. Many parents have little understanding of what a trustee does or how to reach them. That needs to change. Trustees should regularly communicate with constituents, attend school events, host community conversations, and actively seek feedback before important decisions are made.

Finally, I want to ensure that every student has access to safe schools, strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and the supports they need to thrive spiritually, emotionally, and academically.

Why should voters place their trust in you? What qualities, experience, or perspective would you bring to the role of School Board Trustee that distinguish you from the other candidates?

I have spent years serving our Catholic school community, not just talking about change but actively volunteering and leading.

My experience as a parent, Catholic School Council Chair, parish volunteer, and community leader has allowed me to build relationships with families, educators, clergy, and community organizations. I understand the realities facing our schools because I have been actively involved in them.

Running in 2022 also gave me valuable insight into what residents expect from their trustee. Since then, I have continued listening, learning, and advocating.

I am approachable, accountable, and committed to being a trustee who is present in our schools and communities, not just during election season.

Most importantly, I believe it is time for a change. Ward 10 deserves a trustee who will strengthen our Catholic identity, improve communication, and ensure families always have a voice in the decisions that affect their children.

What would you like parents, students and the broader public to know about the role of a Trustee? 

Many people believe a trustee's role begins and ends with attending monthly board meetings. In reality, trustees play a vital role in shaping the future of Catholic education.

Trustees set the strategic direction of the board, approve budgets, establish policies, advocate for students and families, and hold the Director of Education accountable for achieving board goals.

Equally important, trustees are the connection between the community and the board. That role has not been utilized to its full potential. Trustees should actively engage with parents, school councils, parishes, and community organizations throughout their term, again not only during elections.

Families deserve a trustee who listens, communicates openly, and ensures their voices are heard when important decisions are being made.

How can voters contact you and/or learn more about you?

I encourage residents to connect with me and become part of the conversation.

Please follow my campaign page on Facebook for updates, community events, and information about my platform. You can also email me at andreadinicola06@gmail.com. I welcome questions, ideas, and conversations with parents, students, educators, parish members, and residents throughout the campaign.

I believe the best trustee is one who listens first, communicates often, and remains accessible long after Election Day.

Thank-you Andrea for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian and thank-you as well for suggesting to The Hamiltonian that we include Trustees in the Before the Ballot series!