I’m Irma Ruiter. I’m running for Catholic school board trustee to uphold the Catholic faith entrusted to our schools and serve families in Welland and Pelham.
What I stand for
Welland & PelhamNiagara Catholic District School Board
Election day October 26, 2026Catholic education should help children know Jesus Christ, understand His Church’s teaching, and live their faith. Scripture, prayer and the Mass belong at the heart of that formation.
My faith has grown through a lifetime of learning, prayer and parish life. I want young people to know what the Church teaches, understand why it matters, and discover the joy of following Christ.
I’m a retired speech and language pathologist. At Bethesda in Thorold, I supported people with developmental disabilities and trained caregivers. That experience informs my concern for students who need extra support.
I volunteer with Branches Catholic Ministries and lead Bible studies, including at my parish. Helping people understand Scripture is part of how I live my faith.
Faithful to the Church. Accountable to families.
These convictions will guide my work as a trustee.
The Catholic faith should guide our schools. I will stand for fidelity to Church teaching and resist partisan agendas that displace our mission.
I will support board policies and resources that uphold Church teaching and help staff deliver the approved religious education program faithfully.
Parents are their children’s first educators. Catholic schools should work with families in passing on the faith and take their concerns seriously.
I will listen to parents and students, bring shared concerns to the board, and help families follow the appropriate process for individual school concerns.
Every child has God-given dignity and gifts to develop. Strong reading and mathematics skills, with support for special learning needs, help children use those gifts.
I will review reports on student progress and special education and ask how board resources are meeting students’ needs.
The resources entrusted to our board should serve children and sustain the mission of Catholic education. Careful stewardship is part of that responsibility.
I will scrutinize budget proposals, ask clear questions, and weigh spending against student needs.
Trustees make decisions together about board policy, priorities and budgets. School staff lead day-to-day teaching and operations.
Every child is made in the image and likeness of God. Faithfulness to Church teaching and love for every student belong together.
I will support schools where every student is treated with dignity and protected from bullying. In difficult conversations, I will speak with conviction, listen with respect, and seek to follow Christ’s example.
Irma Ruiter for Niagara Catholic District School Board trustee.
Welland and Pelham · One trustee to be elected.
Check your municipality’s official election page for registration, school support, voting methods and locations.
Have a question, a concern or an idea to share?
I’d welcome the conversation.