Vote

Rajesh Kumar

For

Trustee - Ward H

Rajest Kumar
Together, We Thrive

About Me

Rajesh Kumar

I am Rajesh Kumar. I have proudly called Edmonton (Ward H) since 2011. With over 25 years of experience in IT consulting, I specialize in program and project management, team leadership, governance, and financial planning. I hold an engineering degree from India, an MBA from the University of Alberta, and a MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management from MITx.

In 2019, my professional path intersected with a deeply personal mission. As the parent of a child with a disability, I saw firsthand the systemic challenges within Alberta's education system, especially when it came to inclusive education. My personal journey to advocate for our daughter quickly grew into a mission to address the inequities faced by countless other families facing similar barriers.

Since then, I've been committed to pushing for systemic reform. I utilize my expertise in leadership to support families, engage policymakers, and advocate for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable public education system.

  • Serve on the Board of GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today), currently known as Kids Included
  • Co-led the Inclusive Education Committee for the Inclusion Edmonton Region
  • Advocate for fair wages for Educational Assistants
  • Represent parents’ concerns to school boards and the media
  • Directly supporting the families to navigate the challenges and systemic barriers for their children’s inclusive education.

Why Me

With over 25 years in IT leadership and a strong foundation in governance, team management, and strategic planning, I am uniquely positioned to tackle our educational challenges. My mission is to ensure every child has equitable access to high-quality, publicly funded, and inclusive education.

My advocacy began as a personal journey and evolved into a mission to support families, push for systemic reform, and ensure that public education truly serves everyone. I’ve spoken out, stepped up, and stood shoulder to shoulder with others demanding meaningful change.

As a passionate advocate, I am committed to backing the voices of parents, educators, and students. My goal is to ensure every student has access to an inclusive, high-quality education that sets them up for success.

With extensive experience in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, I am committed to:

  • Be the voice of Parents, Educators, and students
  • Public Education - Funding and Resource Allocation
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Advocacy for Supports for Inclusive Education
  • Enhance Collaboration among all levels of governance

Through effective governance and strategic collaboration, I aim to strengthen schools, support educators, and empower families. Guided by integrity, accountability, and a drive for meaningful change, I believe every decision in education must begin—and end—with what’s best for students.

Committed To

Be the voice of Parents, Educators, and students

Be the voice that matters! As trustee, I’ll be a bridge between the school division and parents, educators, and students. Ensuring all community members’ concerns are heard and their needs are met. Education shapes our future, and every decision by the education board must reflect our community’s values and aspirations. Engaging with teachers, parents, and students would be essential in identifying and addressing the gaps in resources. Together, let’s build a responsive education system where “every voice counts”.

Public Education - Funding and Resource Allocation

Every child deserves a great education—no matter who they are or where they come from. As a School Trustee, I am committed to advocating for fair funding and the sufficient resources our students and teachers need. This includes tackling overcrowded classrooms, necessary school infrastructure within the communities, and strong support systems so that all students can thrive.

That means listening to families, backing teachers, and making smart investments in classrooms, technology, infrastructure, mental health, and inclusive programs. Education is our future—and every student deserves to reach their full potential.

Transparency and Accountability

As a School Trustee, I’ll ensure education funding is open, fair, and focused on student success. That means student-centered budgeting, responsible spending, and honest conversations with families and educators.

Accountability means tracking how funds are used, measuring impact, and making sure resources reach the students. I’ll ensure accountability and support regular reporting, community input, and strong oversight to keep our schools effective and trustworthy.

With transparency and accountability, we build trust—and create schools where every student can thrive.

Advocacy for Supports for Inclusive Education

Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered at school. As a School Trustee, I’ll advocate for inclusive education that meets the needs of all learners—regardless of ability, background, personal choices, or immigration status.

I'll champion equitable funding, teacher training, and accessible classrooms. My focus will be on strengthening mental health support, promoting anti-discrimination policies, and implementing teaching strategies that serve diverse learning needs, so every student can truly thrive.

Enhance Collaboration among all levels of governance

Great education takes teamwork. As a School Trustee, I will foster stronger collaboration across all levels of governance, including provincial government, public school board, and city council, to ensure policies, funding, and resources are aligned and focused on student success.

I’ll advocate for regular dialogue, shared decision-making, and open communication—so that we all can proactively work on the enhancement of our public education system.

Ward H

Ward H Map

Currently, there are 11 schools in Ward H, With the population growth in the last couple of years, as per EPSB’s Growth Control Model, most of the schools are already running near capacity. This population in this ward is growing at a very fast pace, which needs immediate attention for new infrastructure to cater to the community's quality educational needs.