I.
Expert Leadership
With a doctorate in education and 25 years of experience, I bring professional-grade expertise to the board table. Not politics. Results.
Pickering · October 26, 2026
STRONG SCHOOLS.
BRIGHTER FUTURES.
Dr. Andre De Freitas is running for DCDSB Trustee to bring 25 years of education leadership, fiscal stewardship, and a parent's heart to the board table.
01
Faith.
02
Education.
03
Community.
04
Future.
Section 01 · The Candidate
Meet Dr. D.
01
Dr. Andre De Freitas — Pickering, Ontario
"This is not a career move.
This is a calling."
Dr. Andre De Freitas is a first-generation postsecondary student who built a 25-year career in Canadian education. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Western University, has managed $300M+ in student funding, and has led student success initiatives at institutions across Ontario.
A Catholic school parent with children in the DCDSB system, a 12-year Pickering resident, and the founder of AI-powered education platforms recognized by eCampusOntario — Andre is running to bring professional-grade expertise to the school board.
25+
Years in Education
EdD
Doctorate in Leadership
$300M+
Budgets Managed
1st
First-Gen to Doctorate
Section 02 · The Manifesto
Why I'm Running.
02
Our children deserve a trustee who understands education systems from the inside — someone who has spent a career building student success, not just talking about it.
II.
AI-Ready Schools
AI is transforming every industry. Our schools need a trustee who has built AI education platforms and understands how to prepare students for what's next.
III.
Every Student Matters
From financial aid to mental health to accessibility, my career has been about making sure no student falls through the cracks.
A Personal Message
A Note from Dr. D.
❝
Hi everyone, I'm Dr. Andre De Freitas — Dr. D.
Like many of you, I'm a parent who wants the very best for our children. I've spent my career working in education, helping students overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures.
That's why I'm running to be your Durham Catholic District School Board Trustee.
I believe our schools should be places where every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. I believe parents deserve a voice, educators deserve support, and students deserve every opportunity to thrive.
I'm not running because I'm a politician. I'm running because I care deeply about our kids, our schools, and our community.
I'd be honoured to earn your trust, your support, and your vote.
I'm asking for your support for DCDSB Trustee.
Thank you.
— Dr. D.
Dr. Andre De Freitas
Section 03 · The Platform
Six Priorities for DCDSB.
03
- 01Priority
Expert Leadership at the Board Table
Professional education experience, data-driven decision-making, and real accountability at every board meeting.
- 02Priority
Preparing Students for the AI Era
Responsible AI integration, digital literacy curriculum, and teacher training so our students lead the future — not fear it.
- 03Priority
Student Mental Health & Wellbeing
School counsellors, early intervention, and trauma-informed support. Not awareness campaigns. Actual resources.
- 04Priority
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
$300M+ in budget management experience applied so every education dollar delivers maximum impact for students.
- 05Priority
Equity, Access & Inclusion for Every Child
Students of every background, ability, and circumstance receive the support they need to succeed.
- 06Priority
Strong Partnerships with Families & Community
Open communication, meaningful engagement, and genuine collaboration between schools, parents, and the Pickering community.
Section 04 · Voices
What People Are Saying.
04
"
Andre genuinely cares about kids and the community. He listens, he shows up, and he gets things done — exactly what our schools need on the board.
Dilux P.
Pickering Resident & Parent
"
I've watched Andre lead with integrity for years. He brings real expertise to the table without losing the human side. He has my full support.
Neil F.
Community Member
"
As a mom, I want a trustee who actually understands what's happening in our classrooms. Dr. D does — and he'll fight for our kids.
Michelle S.
DCDSB Parent
Section 05 · Get Involved
Join the Campaign.
05
Knock on doors. Share a post. Put up a lawn sign. Every bit of support matters.
Tell us how you'd like to help and we'll be in touch within 48 hours with the next concrete step.
Direct line
campaign@drddurham.caSection 06 · Stay Connected
Follow the Campaign.
Road to October 26, 2026
- 01Jun 2026Door-knocking begins · Pickering wards
- 02Aug 2026Community town hall · Education in the AI era
- 03Sep 2026All-candidates meeting · DCDSB families
- 04Oct 26, 2026Election Day · Vote Dr. Andre De Freitas
Updates from the doors, town halls, and the road ahead.
Every voice shapes the platform. Follow along and bring a neighbour to the conversation.
Join the campaign