A letter from Rukshan

Markham is home

My name is Rukshan Para, and I am running for YRDSB Public School Board Trustee for Wards 5 and 7.

Markham is more than just the place I live. It is home.

It is where I grew up, built my career, got married, and started my family. It is where my child goes to school, where I have volunteered, where I have worked with parents and young people, and where I have watched our community grow and change over the years.

Like many of you, I want the very best for our children.

I am the proud father of an active 11-year-old who attends public school. As a parent, I understand that when we send our children to school each morning, we are entrusting the school system with something far more important than grades. We are entrusting it with their confidence, dreams, safety, and future.

That responsibility matters deeply to me.

This is my fourth time running

This is my fourth time putting my name forward for School Board Trustee.

Some may ask, “Why keep trying?” My answer is simple.

I would not be running for the same position for a fourth time if I did not deeply believe in public education and the importance of having a strong, accountable voice at our School Board.

I believe our children deserve the best opportunities we can give them. Parents deserve to be heard. Our communities deserve transparency and accountability.

I am running again because I believe the work is worth it.

A lifetime of giving back

For years, I have worked directly with children, youth, parents, and families, creating programs and opportunities to support their educational, personal, and social development.

Founded Young People Achieving Milestones (YPAM, @ypamca), a charitable, volunteer-driven organization focused on helping young people learn, grow, build confidence, and reach their potential.

Through my volunteer work with YPAM, I have championed initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities, with a focus on literacy and numeracy, youth leadership, public speaking, mental health, STEAM education, and much more.

I also founded Men's Services for Mental Health, where we work to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create safe spaces for open and meaningful conversations.

I co-founded the Action Premier League, another volunteer-driven organization that provides opportunities for people to participate, connect, and develop through sports and community engagement.

These initiatives are powered by volunteers who generously give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference.

For me, community service has never been about recognition or compensation. It has always been about giving back, creating opportunities, and helping people reach their full potential.

Programs I have built for our kids

2026

Engineering Career Opportunities

I also established a partnership with a leading automotive manufacturer to help create career opportunities for promising engineering students graduating from undergraduate programs, bridging the gap between academic learning and the workplace.

2026

Robotics Education

I worked to establish a partnership with a robotics service provider to bring robotics education and hands-on learning to YPAM, giving children and youth opportunities to explore technology, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

2025

Adult Public Speaking Program

I created an Adult Public Speaking Program, extending these opportunities beyond youth and giving adults a space to strengthen their communication, confidence, and public-speaking skills.

2024

Mentorship Program

I created a Mentorship Program connecting children and parents with individuals who can provide guidance based on their education, careers, and life experiences. Young people should have opportunities to meet people who can help them understand what is possible.

2020

Mental Well-Being Program

I launched a Mental Well-Being Program focused on raising awareness, encouraging conversations, and helping young people and families better understand the importance of mental well-being.

2018 to 2022

Youth Leadership and Public Speaking

I created and launched a Youth Leadership and Public Speaking Program for students from Grade 4 through high school, focused on leadership, communication, and confidence. In 2022, I expanded it to include university students preparing for the next stage of their lives.

Learn about the Youth Leadership Program

2017

Speech Contest

I created and launched a grade-specific Speech Contest to help children develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to express themselves effectively.

Learn about the Speech Program

2016

Mathematics Contest

I created and launched a grade-specific Mathematics Contest for students from Grade 1 through Grade 8, designed not only to challenge and motivate students, but also to help parents better understand their children's academic progress and take meaningful steps to support them.

Learn about the Mathematics Program

2014 to 2016

Spelling Bee

Driven by my passion for literacy, I developed a grade-specific Spelling Bee Program focused on strengthening children's spelling, vocabulary, and overall literacy skills. In 2016, we launched the first competition for students from Grade 1 through Grade 8.

Learn about the Spelling Bee Program

Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed.

Opportunity does not happen by itself. It requires engaged parents, supported educators, caring communities, and leaders willing to create opportunities for our children.

For me, this has never simply been about running programs. It has always been about investing in people, building confidence, opening doors, and helping individuals achieve their milestones.

I have spoken up before

My commitment to education is not new. In 2016, I spoke out when a 10-year contract was awarded to the then Director of Education. I raised my concerns with the Ministry of Education because I believed questions of accountability and fairness deserved attention.

I was proud to play a role in advocating for change at our School Board. But there is still more work to do.

My vision

I want to help build a public school system where:

• Parents' voices are heard.
• Students are encouraged to dream, lead, and excel.
• Teachers and education workers are supported and respected.
• Schools, families, and communities work together.
• Every taxpayer dollar is treated with respect.
• Trustees are accessible, transparent, and accountable.

Education is not simply about test scores. It is about giving our children the confidence, knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to build their future.

I am asking for your trust

Yes, this is my fourth time running. I am running because I believe it is worth it.

I believe in our children. I believe in our families. I believe in our educators. And I believe in the value of a strong public education system.

If elected, I promise to listen, ask difficult questions, speak up when something is not right, and work hard to represent you.

I want to be an accessible Trustee. Whether you are a parent, student, educator, taxpayer, or community member, I want you to know that you can reach me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Markham has given me a place to grow, build a family, serve my community, and help create opportunities for others.

Now I am asking for the opportunity to serve you.

I would be honoured to have your support and your vote for YRDSB Public School Board Trustee for Wards 5 and 7.