To Markus de Domenico (TCDSB Ward 2 Trustee), Dr. Brendan Browne (Director of Education) and Paul Calandra (Ontario Minister of Education). 

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and concerned community members, respectfully petition the TCDSB to install air conditioning in all learning spaces at Father Serra Catholic Elementary School.

Why This Petition Matters
With increasingly extreme temperatures each year, the lack of proper climate control within Father Serra classrooms presents a growing health and safety concern for students and staff. Current conditions compromise not only student well-being but also violate the very principles the TCDSB has committed to in its Parent/Guardian Charter of Principles.

In particular, parents and guardians have the right to:

• A reasonable expectation that children are learning in a safe, healthy, caring, and accessible school, free from harm and conducive to their physical and emotional well-being;
• Assurance that spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, social, and academic needs are met;
• Expect appropriate materials, resources, and facilities to support curriculum delivery and overall learning;
• Have their concerns acknowledged and addressed with respect, transparency, and in a timely manner.
• We believe that sustained high classroom temperatures—often exceeding health guidelines for safe indoor conditions—violate these commitments, placing undue stress on children and educators.

Health and Learning Concerns

• Overheating causes fatigue, nausea, headaches, and exacerbation of respiratory or neurological conditions, posing serious health risks, especially to young children.
• Research shows that extreme heat negatively impacts attention, memory, and overall academic performance.
• Students and staff report diminished morale, increased absences, and classroom disruption during heatwaves.
• Current practices, such as keeping windows open or using fans, are insufficient and inequitable, especially as many newer schools have full climate control.
• This issue is not a luxury—it is a matter of basic educational equity and public health. 

Our Formal Request

We respectfully call upon the TCDSB to:

1. Immediately assess the temperature and ventilation conditions at Father Serra, and publish the findings for transparency.
   
   
2. Prioritize the installation of air conditioning units in all classrooms and learning areas, consistent with the Board’s duty to provide a safe and accessible learning environment.
   
   
3. Include Father Serra in the next capital plan or urgent infrastructure budget to ensure implementation is not deferred indefinitely.
4. Provide a clear timeline and communication plan to parents regarding interim and long-term measures.

We support the TCDSB’s mission to educate in faith and compassion. However, faith-based education must also reflect stewardship, justice, and dignity. Ensuring air-conditioned, safe learning environments is essential to upholding:

• The dignity and well-being of every student;
• Parents’ rights to expect a healthy and caring school environment;
• The Board’s ethical and fiduciary responsibility to create equitable conditions across all schools.

We Invite Your Support
Please join us by signing below. Together, we ask the Board to demonstrate its commitment to child well-being, educational equity, and the values enshrined in its Charter by urgently addressing this heat-related health concern at Father Serra.