Jen Burkholder
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Meet Jen
For 20 years, I've worked inside our public schools — as an Early Childhood Educator, a frontline staff member, and a team-leading supervisor at Breslau Public School, Westvale, Janet Metcalfe, Suddaby, and more. Working alongside principals, teachers, custodians, support staff, students and families gave me a firsthand understanding of what really happens inside our schools.
I'm also a parent. My children graduated from schools right here in our region — Laurel Heights Secondary School (Sir John A. Macdonald) and Elmira District Secondary School (EDSS) — so I know the school system from both sides of the desk.
That's why I'm running in 2026: to bring a frontline perspective, integrity, and a genuine commitment to children and families to the board table — to stand for our kids, listen to our families, and work toward stronger schools and a greater future.
Four Reasons to Vote for Jen
The only candidate who has worked inside our public schools.
20 years as an Early Childhood Educator, frontline staff, and supervisor at Breslau Public School, Westvale, Janet Metcalfe, Suddaby, and more. Her kids graduated from Sir John A. Macdonald and EDSS, so she's lived the school system from both sides of the desk.
The only candidate with the credentials, experience, and connections
to help students with unique needs, and their parents, get the resources they deserve.
The only candidate who will give the role full-time attention.
With thousands of students in Woolwich and Wellesley, we need a Trustee with the time and ability to dedicate full-time attention to the job.
The ONLY local candidate who is NOT a politician.
Help Jen keep partisan politics out of the classroom. And Toronto policy-makers have failed our children. Jen lives here, has raised her four children here, and answers only to families in Woolwich and Wellesley, not a political party in Ottawa or Toronto.
Jen's Priorities
An advocate for both students and staff.
Jen worked alongside teachers, custodians and support staff every day — she knows a strong school needs everyone cared for.
Back to basics: reading, writing and math first.
Every child deserves a strong foundation, plus the supports they need to actually succeed.
Calm, safe classrooms - for kids and the adults with them.
Jen has been in the room when a classroom comes apart. Students can't learn and staff can't teach in rooms that aren't safe, and she'll push the board to report honestly on what's happening and what's being done about it.
Walk the halls before the big decisions.
Jen will be in the schools, not just the boardroom - the eyes and ears for parents, students and staff. Families should be able to raise a concern and get a real answer.
How to Vote for Jen
Woolwich Township
Internet voting runs Oct 16 (10:00 a.m.) to Oct 26 (8:00 p.m.). In-person paper ballot voting:
- Sat, Oct 17 — Woolwich Memorial Centre & Breslau Community Centre, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Sun, Oct 18 — Woolwich Memorial Centre & St. Jacobs Fire Hall, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Mon, Oct 26 — Woolwich Memorial Centre, Breslau Community Centre & St. Jacobs Fire Hall, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Wellesley Township
Vote online or by phone anytime during the 10-day voting period:
- Opens — Friday, Oct 16 at 10:00 a.m.
- Closes — Monday, Oct 26 at 8:00 p.m. (Election Day)
- Need help? Visit the Election Help Centre at the Township Administration Office, 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements.
Support Jen
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Every dollar goes to signs, flyers and getting Jen's message to families across Woolwich & Wellesley. Donate by Interac e-Transfer:
jen4trustee@gmail.comPlease include your name and address in the e-Transfer message.