About David

A teacher's habit of showing up.

For more than three decades, David Parmer has done the same two things: explain complicated ideas clearly, and show up for his community. This is his story.

David Parmer seated on a bench on a leafy Stouffville street, hands clasped, smiling
Why I'm running

Close-knit, safe, and thriving through the growth.

I'm running for Council to ensure that Stouffville remains a close-knit, safe and thriving community during this growth period. I am also running to serve as a powerful and positive voice for all stakeholders.
David Parmer

Three decades in the classroom

David has taught science with the Toronto District School Board since 1993: biology, mathematics, and English as a Second Language across four Toronto schools, including more than a decade at Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute.

Beyond his own classroom, he has written curriculum, presented at the Science Teachers Association of Ontario, served on the TDSB's assessment and evaluation team, and twice facilitated provincial summer institutes for the Ontario Teachers' Federation. For over twelve years he mentored new teacher candidates through OISE at the University of Toronto.

With his federation, the OSSTF, David served as branch president, branch vice-president, political action representative, and on the staff workload committee, advocating for the people who do the work.

A classroom where every student belongs

David's commitment to equity isn't abstract. In 2019, the Ontario College of Teachers' magazine Professionally Speaking featured him in a story on creating LGBTQ-inclusive classrooms:

I'm fully aware of the statistics that show suicide rates among LGBTQ youth is very high, and it's important to me to create a safe and welcoming space. I strive to have my students feel represented in our classroom.

Small changes matter, he told the magazine: starting class with "Good morning, everyone," asking students their pronouns, and teaching the history of marginalized communities within the science curriculum.

That same commitment carries into Stouffville: David serves as Vice-Chair of the Stouffville Pride Committee, which organized the first Pride event in the town's history. He sits on the Town's Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and its Education Sub-Committee, and serves as a Moose Hide Campaign steward.

Read the full feature in Professionally Speaking →

B.Sc., University of Toronto

1992

B.Ed., University of Toronto

1993

Home is Stouffville

David has lived in Stouffville with his family since 2006. In the two decades since, his volunteer record here has spanned the library, the arts, the schools, and the sports fields.

Community Service · 2006–Present

Twenty years of quiet work.

Service isn't a campaign promise for David. It's two decades of meetings attended, funds raised, and programs built across Stouffville. Here is the record.

The Library & Latcham Art Centre Board

Trustee

Stewardship of two of Stouffville's most important public institutions. David's work on the board includes responsible governance (the approval of policies and procedures), fundraising through the Fundraising Sub-Committee, support for programming and outreach, and input into strategic planning. He believes a growing town deserves a growing library.

David Parmer speaking at a podium at the Stouffville Reads 2023 event, the illustrated event title projected on the screen behind him

19 on the Park

Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment · Chair, Advisory Committee, 2015–2018 · Staff Working Group, 2018–present

As chair, David led the advisory committee for the town's premier arts venue, keeping meetings focused while making room for every voice. He helped raise over $100,000 and supported the programming and outreach that turned a heritage building into a working cultural hub.

David Parmer volunteering outside the doors of 19 on the Park, wearing a Discover Your Stage volunteer shirt and holding a stack of season programmes

School communities

Council member, Oscar Peterson PS & Stouffville District SS, 2006–present

Years of practical wins for students and families: a safe drop-off zone, an outdoor classroom and new sports equipment in the playground, fundraising through fun fairs, book sales and concerts, and service on the school Safety Task Force.

David Parmer, right, with three fellow volunteers holding Stouffville Library notebooks and tote bags

Pride & inclusion

Vice-Chair, Stouffville Pride Committee · Diversity & Inclusion Working Group · Moose Hide Campaign Steward

David helped organize the first Pride event in Stouffville's history. On the Town's Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and its Education Sub-Committee, he helps create curriculum supporting local inclusion initiatives.

David Parmer standing with arms crossed in front of a colourful community mural

Youth sport

Coach & organizer

Coaching girls' and boys' softball, soccer, and golf (including serving as boys' golf convenor), and organizing the Stouffville Strawberry Festival Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

David Parmer, right, with a fellow coach and two players from a Stouffville girls' softball team, all wearing tournament medals
Whether through fundraising and community-building efforts at 19 on the Park or as a dedicated parent volunteer within the Oscar Peterson school community, David has shown himself to be a neighbour of strong values, integrity, and genuine care for others.
Matt & Jacky Roncadin, neighbours

The same work, a bigger table.

In 2026, David is asking to bring this record to the council chamber.