Four real problems facing Milton's Catholic schools — and what Brendan will actually do about each one.
Milton is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada — population climbed over 20% between the last two census counts and continues to rise. Even with new schools opening, like Milton #11 Catholic Elementary this September, HCDSB remains the lowest per-student funded school board in all of Ontario. Growth is outrunning resources.
Brendan will push HCDSB and the province to give Milton's schools their fair share of funding, and demand that boundary and capacity planning keep pace with real growth — so new schools open before classrooms are already over capacity, not after.
As HCDSB builds new schools quickly to keep up with Milton's growth, faith formation and Catholic identity can end up an afterthought if no one is actively protecting it — chaplaincy access, sacramental preparation, and parish connections all need deliberate attention, not just space in a building.
As an active parishioner himself, Brendan will make sure every new and existing Milton school treats chaplaincy and faith formation as a priority from day one — not an add-on once the building is already open.
Not every Milton Catholic school has the same access to fields, gyms and equipment. As enrollment grows quickly, athletics investment often lags behind classroom construction — leaving some students with far fewer opportunities to play than others.
As a youth cricket coach for more than three years, Brendan has seen firsthand what sport gives kids — teamwork, discipline, confidence. He will fight to make sure every Milton student has that chance, regardless of which school they attend.
Structured leadership and mentorship opportunities aren't consistently available across every school, and community organizations that could help mentor students aren't always formally connected to HCDSB.
As President of the Conquest Boys Club, Brendan has spent years building real leadership and mentorship pathways for young people. He'll bring that same hands-on approach to the school board.
Trustees don't set curriculum or manage schools day-to-day. Working together as a board, they approve the budget, set policy, hire and evaluate the Director of Education, and represent their community's voice. Brendan won't overpromise — he'll be a strong, transparent, hands-on advocate on every front a trustee actually controls.
That includes fiscal responsibility: Brendan believes every dollar of HCDSB's budget belongs in classrooms, supporting students, teachers and families first.