Robert Sikora
for Waterloo Catholic Trustee
An Experienced Trustee
Transparent leadership.
Strong schools.
Better outcomes for every student.
About Robert Sikora
A Cambridge resident since 1991. I worked as a Professional Engineer since 1987 and have seen the benefits of a strong Catholic education. My two children graduated from St. Benedict and went on to careers in Engineering.
I will serve the community by supporting strong, inclusive Catholic schools through responsible governance. As a Trustee we are responsible for strategic governance, ensuring financial stewardship of public funds, holding the system accountable for student achievement and well-being and participating in collective decision making. I am committed to listening to families, educators, and students, using data to guide decisions.
The goal is simple: well-run schools where every learner has the support and opportunities needed to thrive.
I will serve the community by supporting strong, inclusive Catholic schools through responsible governance. As a Trustee we are responsible for strategic governance, ensuring financial stewardship of public funds, holding the system accountable for student achievement and well-being and participating in collective decision making. I am committed to listening to families, educators, and students, using data to guide decisions.
The goal is simple: well-run schools where every learner has the support and opportunities needed to thrive.
Why I'm Running
There is significant change underway in publicly-funded education in Ontario with the passing of the Putting Student Achievement First Act (Bill 101) and subsequent changes flowing from that Act and associated Regulations which changes the role of Trustees.
It is crucial that experience is maintained at the Trustee level during this transition to ensure that Trustees remain a vital support to the school system and the students and families.
My experience as a Trustee and strong governance background will be vital in the coming years.
It is crucial that experience is maintained at the Trustee level during this transition to ensure that Trustees remain a vital support to the school system and the students and families.
My experience as a Trustee and strong governance background will be vital in the coming years.
Board Experience
Elected as a Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) Trustee in 2022
Elected as Chair of the Board 2023-2025
Served on most Board Committees
- Governance
- Audit
- Special Education Advisory Committee
- Supervised Alternative Learning
- Linkages – (Chair for 2 years)
- Student Trustee Mentor for 2 years
Additional Board Experience
- President of St Vincent de Paul Society at St Patrick’s Parish
- Member of Institute of Corporate Directors
- Member of the board of Independent Living Waterloo Region
- Past experience as President, Vice-President and Secretary on other boards
Priorities
Responsible Use of Funds
Funding by the Ministry of Education provides constraints on the funds provided to the school board, presenting a challenge to the board. Waterloo Catholic Board has kept a balance budget in the past and I will work to ensure that continues.
Advocate
In the past I have advocated at the provincial and municipal levels for providing the services and funding needed to provide an effective school environment including new schools and/or extensions to existing facilities.
Listen to Stakeholders
Student and Family Support Offices are new and intended to provide quicker response to inquiries but may not always provide the desired resolution. As a Trustee I will follow up with any concerns that stakeholders believe are not properly addressed.
Focus on Student Achievement & Well-Being
Provide opportunities for students to achieve their God-given potential and become successful, productive and engaged citizens.