OCDSB Trustee Candidate — Zone 10
Meet Diana Mills
Proven Leadership
Diana Mills is a long-time Ottawa resident, community advocate, and dedicated public education supporter running for Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee in Zone 10.
Diana Mills has lived and raised her family in Ottawa for over two decades. She lives in Zone 10. As a parent, neighbour, and community volunteer, she has witnessed first-hand the profound impact that strong, well-supported public schools have on children, families, and the broader community.
With 14 years of dedicated service to the OCDSB community, Diana brings a unifying vision rooted in inclusion and collaboration. Her journey began in 2010 as a parent council member at her children's elementary school — a role that ignited a lasting commitment to meaningful change.
Appointed to serve as both a member and Chair of the OCDSB Parent Involvement Committee, Diana worked closely with stakeholders to champion practical improvements that made a real difference for families. Her advocacy directly contributed to the alignment of PD days across elementary and high schools, ensuring parents no longer had to manage conflicting schedules. She also helped align winter holiday dates with the start of the Christmas period — a change that reflected the everyday realities of family life.
Throughout her tenure, Diana's inclusive approach to education brought diverse family perspectives to the table, leading her to initiate community consultations that fostered greater transparency and clearer communication of Board activities.
Diana brings a practical, collaborative approach to problem-solving, grounded in listening carefully to the concerns of families, teachers, and support staff. Diana believes that a Trustee's most important job is to be present, accessible, and accountable to the community they serve. True to that belief, Diana will work diligently with fellow Trustees, the Supervisor, and the CEO/CFO to restore the Board's independence and ensure that every decision made at the Board table reflects the best interests of Zone 10 students and families.
She brings to this role 27 years of experience as a public service professional, along with academic credentials from Carleton University and the University of Alberta.
What Diana Stands For
Student Well-being First
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen at school. Diana will champion mental health resources, anti-bullying initiatives, and whole-child approaches to education.
Inclusive Classrooms
Diana believes in a school system where every student — regardless of ability, background, or identity — has access to the supports and accommodations they need to thrive.
Transparent Governance
Families deserve a Trustee who shows up, listens, and reports back. Diana is committed to open, honest communication and meaningful community consultation.
Fiscal Responsibility
Public education funding must be managed carefully and equitably. Diana will scrutinise the Board budget to ensure resources reach classrooms and students.
Community Partnership
Strong schools are built on strong partnerships — with parents, educators, local organisations, and all levels of government. Diana will be a connector and collaborator.
Board Independence
Diana will work to restore the OCDSB's independence, ensuring the Board operates with integrity, transparency, fiscal responsibility and in the best interests of the students and families it serves.
Community Involvement
Diana has been an active volunteer in Ottawa's school and community networks for many years. From school council participation to neighbourhood advocacy with the Ottawa Police and the Ottawa Hospital, she has consistently shown up for the people and places she cares about.
Her community involvement has given her a deep understanding of the issues facing Zone 10 families — including the need for better mental health supports, more equitable resource allocation, and a school board that genuinely listens to the communities it serves.
Diana is ready to bring that same energy, dedication, and community-first perspective to the OCDSB trustee role.