Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I enjoy my involvement as a school trustee and feel I make a difference.. I am committed to giving children a well rounded education where each child can reach his or her full potential and go on to become contributing members of society. We have no other choice than to believe that every child can achieve success, will graduate from high school and go on to live fulfilling lives. Excellent teaching, strong academics, arts, music, physical education, sports programs and a variety of optional and after school programs are vital to an enriching and enjoyable school experience.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
a. Former teacher
b. Long term trustee- presently Chairman of the Board having served on most committees including Co-chair Workplace, Safety and Health, Co-chair-Board- Teacher Advisory and Chair of the Policy Committee.
c. Past President H.C. Avery Parent Council
d. Founding Member and President of the Seven Oaks Education Foundation
e. Founding Board Member of the Kildonan Youth Activity Centre
f. Registered Parliamentarian-expertise in Board meeting procedures
g. Active volunteer having received the Federal Commemorative Medal for Community Service
h. Presently serving on the Civic and Legislative Committee of Winnipeg Realtors where we lobby politicians on various issues to improve the city.
i. Past board member of the Manitoba School Boards Association
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
a. Equitable funding for students and fairness to taxpayers. Students’ education should not be affected by the school division in which they reside. Seven Oaks is a bedroom community with a low commercial tax base. This year because of our lobbying efforts with the provincial government, we were able to access the Tax Incentive Grant which enabled us to freeze taxes and maintain much needed programs for our students. We need a fairer funding formula plus less reliance on property taxes to fund education.
b. Increasing the percentage of students who graduate from high school and go on to post secondary institutions with a special emphasis on aboriginal youth.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
a. Ideally, children should have the same opportunities in a public school system regardless of economic circumstances. For example: not charging for noon hour supervision, reducing the cost of school supplies for students, enabling all children to participate in field trips, free breakfast programs in our schools.
b. We need a more stable funding model across the province for special needs students. Presently there is not adequate support for these students in our division.
c. Expanding the Bright Futures Program into our ward. It is currently a very successful after school volunteer tutoring and mentoring program for students in the Maples.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I would like to thank our community for their support over the years and their interest in the welfare of our students. We have a very dedicated team of teachers, administrators, and support staff. I have always been proud to be a trustee in Seven Oaks School Division.