Steve Kavanagh was born in Montreal, QC and attended Herbert Symonds School and Monklands High School. After moving to Ontario, Steve graduated from Thornlea Secondary School. Steve has worked primarily in the health-care sector and in the social-services sector for the last 35 years. Steve and Penny (married in 1972) have three children, all graduates of the Peel District School Board system. Jill, Kelly and Rob all attended Glendale Public School, Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School and Brampton Centennial Secondary School prior to moving to post-seconday education. Steve & Penny are now proud grandparents of Cole, age 1.

Steve first ran for the position of School Trustee as boards were amalgamated in late 1997. His first term began in January 1998. At the time, school boards, children and parents had just been through major disruptions as a result of teacher/staff unrest province-wide. Steve pledged to do his best to ensure that children and parents would not suffer due to labour issues.

In 1991, Steve completed a milestone in his personal education by completing his B.A. at Brock University part-time. The degree hangs proudly in the family living room.

Steve has been elected as Trustee three times (1997, 2003 & 2006) and acclaimed as Trustee in 2000. The current term as Trustee runs until November 30, 2010.

Steve has served on all of the major Board committees and served as Chair of the Planning & Building Committee for 5 years, Chair of Student Transporation of Peel Region for 2 years. and Chair of the Regional Programs/Creative Choices Committee for 2 years.