GECDSB Essex/Kingsville Trustee Candidates Participate in Election Q&A

Submitted photo of David Keller, Essex/Kingsville GECDSB Trustee candidate

Submitted photo of Jenna Knapp, Essex/Kingsville GECDSB Trustee candidate

To help residents get to know more about the Essex/Kingsville Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) candidates David Keller and Jenna Knapp and their election platforms, the Essex Free Press asked the candidates to participate in a question-and-answer forum.

Candidates were asked to keep responses to 100 words or less per question, were informed they would be printed as submitted, and that responses that ran over the maximum would be shortened.

Answers were rotated in the layout for fairness.

Election Day for this race will occur with the 2026 Municipal Election, with Election Day being October 26.

To learn more about the Municipal Election and how to vote, Essex residents can log on to  www.essex.ca/elections, and Kingsville residents can log on to  www.kingsville.ca/local-government/elections/

Question 1: Explain why you are running to be a School Board Trustee and why you believe you are the best fit for this position?

David Keller: I’m running to make a meaningful difference by listening to the people in the communities that I hope to represent and by helping introduce programs that enhance student learning. I believe I am the best fit for these communities because of my experience as a former teacher, which has given me an inside perspective on the education system. With this background, I can help the GECDSB move forward. I signed up in May of this year to run for the position of trustee so I could begin preparing for this important opportunity.

Jenna Knapp: I believe our children deserve to be put back at the focus of all the decisions made on their behalf. As a parent and active community volunteer, I want to help bring resources back into our classrooms, support our teachers, and ensure every student gets the help they need. I believe I am a good fit because I am not afraid to speak up when change is needed, ask difficult questions, and push for accountability. I want to listen to families, work with our communities, and make decisions that teach our kids what success is.

Question 2: What should be the top focus for the Greater Essex County District School Board this coming term? 

Jenna Knapp: The top focus should be getting the right resources and support back into our classrooms. We need to support our teachers, restore support staff where needed, provide better options for students with special needs, and make sure every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed. I also believe we need a complete review of our budget to understand where the money is going and where it needs to go. Better communication between the board, schools, parents, and communities is also important. We need to put students first and make decisions based on what is best for their education.

David Keller: The top priority for the Greater Essex County District School Board should be putting students first, followed by ensuring that funds are allocated responsibly to maintain the board’s financial stability.

Question 3: Describe one matter that happened during the last term that you disagreed with, and what would you have done differently. Why? 

David Keller: One matter that happened during the last term that I would have approached differently would be the naming of the new school in Kingsville, Erie Migration District School. A committee of teachers and community members submitted name options for trustees to consider, yet a completely different name was presented for the final vote. I would have represented and upheld the committee’s recommendations.

Jenna Knapp: One of the biggest changes I disagreed with was the reduction of resources and support for students, especially those who need extra help. We are setting students up for failure as these decisions are made behind a table with specific opinions in mind, without consulting faculty or students who are directly affected. Students are the focus of our decisions; therefore, they should be consulted on how these decisions would impact them. I would also have looked more closely at the budget to find ways to prioritize classroom resources and support staff. This is not about what just works financially.

Question 4: The School Board is responsible for educating youths. What needs to be tweaked to ensure students are better prepared for life after school, and how would you go about making that possible? 

Jenna Knapp: We need to focus on preparing students for real life, not just getting them through school. We need more life skills, financial literacy, trades education, and career planning. We also need to teach accountability by setting clear expectations and ensuring there are fair and consistent consequences for behaviour, attendance, and the choices students make. Showing up, being accountable, and respecting others are important life skills that carry into every job and future role. I would push for more practical learning opportunities, stronger connections with local employers, and consistent expectations so students leave school with the knowledge, skills, and responsibility to succeed.

David Keller: The school board’s responsibility is to educate the students. Trustees are there to ensure student safety and to provide them with the opportunities to learn the skills that will help them to succeed today. As a former Technological Studies teacher, I am supportive of funding programs like OYAP, the Arts, Co-operative Education and the trades. These programs rely on community support.

Question 5: Budgeting means tough decisions. How would you prioritize budgetary items and why? 

David Keller: I am often told by my friends that I am “cheap”; I prefer to say I am frugal. This means that I will hold those in power accountable for financial decisions that are made. I will question expenditures that do not directly benefit our students.

Jenna Knapp: I would start with a complete budget review to understand where our money is going and where it is needed most. Before making tough decisions that affect students, I would push for our trustees to advocate to municipal and federal governments for the funding and resources our schools need. We need to fight to keep support in our classrooms, not simply accept cuts. I would prioritize restoring support staff, improving special education resources, and ensuring teachers have the tools they need. I would also review administrative spending and non-essential expenses to find savings while keeping student success at the centre.

Question 6: As an elected official, how would you engage with those who have concerns or ideas about certain policies? How available/accountable do you intend to be to the public? 

Jenna Knapp: I want people to feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns, questions, and ideas. I believe everyone deserves to be heard, whether I agree with them or not. As a trustee, I would make myself available to parents, teachers, and our community through email, phone calls, meetings, and school events. I’m not someone who is afraid to ask questions or speak up when something needs to change. I want to push to be at the seat of the table with our government leaders where I can take your concerns directly to them and fight for our kids' futures.

David Keller: As an elected official, I will listen to the people about their views on policies and maintain open dialogue between the Greater Essex County District School Board and the people of the Harrow, Essex, McGregor, Cottam, Ruthven and Kingsville communities that I would represent. I would be proud to represent all of you as your elected trustee.