Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
We have embarked on a Board Leadership Initiative, to extend dialogue and consultation with all of our community and educational stakeholders. I have taken an active role in setting the vision for this initiative and would like to continue to serve in this capacity as we move towards implementation and continued dialogue to establish collaborative partnerships within the education community.
I am running for re-election in order that I can support our objectives to raise academic standards such as literacy and numeracy skills and increased student engagement and achievement. I will continue to support the practice of empowering administrators and teachers to be innovative and creative so as to build capacity for increased student achievement. I will also continue to support enhanced professional development opportunities which will give staff the skills and strategies to actively engage learners with varied learning styles/multiple intelligences. Employing practical strategies based on data and evidence will identify needs and develop strategies to improve outcomes.
By running for re-election I will promote meaningful accountability and continue to work collaboratively with our school communities and parents in a transparent and honest manner.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I have had the privilege of representing the Charleswood Ward 1 as a School Trustee for the past 17 years. Within this time frame, I also represented the Assiniboine South School Division and Pembina Trails School Division, as a member of the Governing Board at Winnipeg Technical College from 1999-2006 where I was Chair of the Board for 3 consecutive years (2001-2004) and Vice Chair in 2003. On standing committees I chaired Finance, Education, Buildings Property and Transportation, and Negotiations with Teaching and non-Teaching Staff.
I was a member of the Community Legal Education Association of Manitoba Board of Directors (1994-2006) and served as its President from 1998-2000. Nationally, I was selected as a member of the National Advisory Group ‘Moving Forward with Articulation Agreements in Canada’. As well, I am an individual member of the Canadian Comprehensive Audit Foundation (CCAF) which is dedicated to meaningful accountability and effective governance, management and audit.
These experiences demonstrate my commitment to build on my capacity to govern and proven leadership abilities. I have a demonstrated ability to utilize critical pathways to establish collaborative partnerships within the education community.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
As the learning environment/climate becomes more complex Boards/Senior and School Administrators and Management must act together to optimize value for your money.
Trustees must possess a vision of relevance in order that our high school students leave with current skills. Crafting a draft budget that envisions expanding educational opportunities for our students and seeing that the Division is managed efficiently is an on going process each and every year.
The interests of students are paramount! I believe in long term Tax Stabilization and making balanced decisions based on evidence and facts after considering the alternatives. My view would be increasing public school taxes would be a last resort after having explored other methods of meeting financial objectives. We must be consistent with providing a quality education within budget.
We will be continuing to create and maintain safe and caring learning communities. This includes enhanced Workplace, Health and Safety and Security Strategies.
Presently, we have the fastest, most powerful fibre-optic educational network in Canada, delivering state of the art technological supports to students in 33 schools. As an issue, we need to assure and enable the division to continue to be cutting edge and innovative in its endeavours.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
We must continue to build on the process and protocols associated with public consultation. The Division must endeavour to honour the wishes of its individual school communities. In this way, a relationship of trust and open communication can be established and honoured. Board directives should not be changed arbitrarily without the consent of the Board of Trustees. Trustees must remember whose interests they represent- the electorate.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
My wife Myra, my family and I have resided in Charleswood for the past 31 years and have been actively involved in community and school affairs. My children James and Kristin attended K-12 in the Pembina Trails School Division and are graduates of Oak Park High School. My oldest grandson is currently attending a Pembina Trails School in Grade One and my youngest grandson is anxiously awaiting to enroll in ‘Kindergarten Here We Come’ next year.
Currently I am curling in the Masters League at Charleswood Curling Club on Tuesday mornings. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s my son, my daughter and I curled in the Parent/Junior League also at Charleswood Curling Club.
As a past educator, I am enthusiastic about providing expanded educational opportunities and technological supports for our students. I have dedicated my career to providing students with extracurricular activities and programs and received a Manitoba High School Athletic Association 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for Coaching as well as a Sport Manitoba Coaching Excellence Award (2006) for years of service.
In September 2010 I was an active participant at the University of Manitoba Bison Basketball Reunion for teams spanning 1955-1976.