Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I was first elected to the Pembina Trails School Board when my children were starting school, now eight years later, I am seeking re-election to the Board because I want to continue to help shape its policy direction. In particular, I would like to continue to work on our leadership initiative – “Setting Clear Expectations for Student Learning” which we launched at the beginning of last year.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
In the past eight years, I have served on all of the standing committees as well as numerous special committees and ad hoc committees.
My experience includes:
- Chair, Finance and Planning Committee (2008 to present)
- Chair, Human Resources and Policy Committee (2005-2008)
- Chair, Buildings, Property and Transportation Committee (2002-2004)
- Member, Buildings, Property and Transportation Committee (2005 to present)
- Member, Communications and Community Relations Committee (2006-2007)
- Member, Education and Communications Committee (2002-2004)
- Member, Finance and Planning Committee (2004-2005)
- Member, Non-Teaching Negotiations Committee (2002 to present)
- Member, Building Support for Public Education Ad Hoc Committee (2006)
- Member, Education Support Fund Committee (2002-2004)
- Member, Workplace, Health and Safety Committee (2002-2003)
- School Division Representative on the Fort Garry Community Network (2005-2006 and 2009 to present).
More information on my background in available on my website www.david-johnson.ca
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
Pembina Trails will face a number of important issues over the next year. If re-elected I will work to ensure that the Division’s top priorities are:
- Student Academic Achievement – ensuring that students have the support they need to excel;
- Ensuring that teachers have the support and resources that they need;
- Ensuring that our schools provide a safe and caring learning environment;
- Engaging our communities;
- Providing prudent financial management.
Our children must be our priority but in order to be successful, we must recognize, value and support the tremendous contribution of teachers. We must also consult with and engage our various communities and stakeholders.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
We have great schools and I would like to see things maintained in Pembina Trails, but there is always room for improvement. Over the next four years I hope that we are able to do more to engage our communities and improve communication. I think that we need to do more to promote the positive initiatives that take place in our schools every day to the 70% of residents who don’t have kids in school. I also think that we have to do more to demonstrate and promote the value of public education.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
It has been my pleasure to represent the communities of Fort Garry, Linden Woods, Linden Ridge, Whyte Ridge and Tuxedo on the Board for the past eight years. We have great schools throughout our Division. I see firsthand the quality of education in our schools from my children. I have also had the opportunity over the past few weeks to speak with thousands of residents of Ward 2 about the issues affecting our schools. While a number of specific problems and concerns have been raised, and will be dealt with, the overall message that I have been receiving has been very positive. I hope to be able to continue be a part of the success of the Pembina Trails School Division over the next four years.