Winnipeg Election 2022

David Johnson - Pembina Trails - 2

What got you into politics?

I ran and was first elected to the Pembina Trails School Board when my children were first entering school. I wanted to support and strengthen the schools in my community. I am running for re-election as a trustee because Pembina Trails is a great school division, and I want to continue to work to make it even better.  In particular, I want to ensure that Pembina Trails continues to provide quality programming in a safe and caring environment through responsible fiscal management.

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

I have served as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Pembina Trails School Board. I have also been a member of all of the Board’s standing committees as well as numerous ad hoc committees.  I am currently Chair of the Finance, Buildings, Property and Transportation Committee, Chair of the Pembina Trails Education Support Fund Inc., and the School Board Representative on the Fort Garry Community Network.

Outside of my role as a trustee, I have held senior positions in both the private and public sectors. I have experience managing a wide array of governmental files, working with both elected and non-elected government officials. My experience also includes working with community organizations and liaising with business and labour groups and dealing with the general public.

Academically, my background is in Geography. I have a BA in Geography from the University of Manitoba. I have worked extensively in the area of geo-demographic mapping and database marketing – skills that are helpful when making decisions on long-term planning.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

The Board of Trustees has focused on student achievement over the past few years and that is an important focus that I will continue to champion.  The Board set three expectations for student learning that have been embraced by the Pembina Trails community. We have also set Standards for Success in Literacy with an emphasis on making sure that all our students become critical thinkers and problem solvers. I want to continue to focus on student achievement.  We have had great success in Pembina Trails and our students perform at or above provincial averages, but we can and should always strive for continuous improvement.

Other issues that are important to me include:

• Ensuring that teachers have the resources that they need to provide our children with the highest quality education.
• Continuing to support and promote the value of public education.
• Providing responsible fiscal management to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent effectively.
• Lobbying the provincial government to ensure that local school boards are being adequately funded, and
• Ensuring that our schools are welcoming and that our children learn and play in a healthy and secure environment.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

Pembina Trails is a school community consisting of caring and committed staff, great students, who are engaged in their learning, and wonderful, supportive parents.  In this election, as in past elections, I have had the opportunity to meet with community members from across Ward 2.  It is always an interesting learning experience for me.  While there have been some issues and concerns that have been brought to my attention, which need to be addressed, overwhelmingly, most of the feedback is very positive.  I really appreciate the support in our community for our school division.