Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I am seeking re-election to the Pembina Trails School Board because I want to continue to provide children the best opportunity for success through quality education. I want to continue to work towards shaping the policies of the division, setting the future direction of the board, and to ensure that students and their teachers have adequate resources to meet their needs. I personally believe that the education of our children is the most important contribution I can make to my community.
I have a proven record of collaboration with parents, staff and all community members and will ensure the decisions of the Board continue to support educational excellence through challenging and enriching experiences for all children.
As a parent of 2 daughters and 2 sons who currently attend schools in Pembina Trails School Division I share the experiences and concerns of parents in the Division.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I was first elected as Trustee for Ward 2 - Pembina Trails School Division in 2006.
As a School Trustee, I have worked with others for a better system of education, and have been active on the following committees, including:
- Governing Board Member - Winnipeg Technical College
- Committee Chair: Buildings, Property and Transportation Committee, Pembina Trails School Division Educational Support Fund, and Communications and Community Relations Committee
- Member: Finance Committee, Human Resources and Policy Committee, Teachers Negotiation Committee, Van Walleghem Student Transportation and Traffic Flow Committee, and Fort Garry Community Network Liaison
Other accomplishments include;
- Past President, Fort Garry Community Centre
- Bachelof of Commerce Degree (Honours)
- Program Manager with Manitoba Hydro for 23 years
- Outstanding Citizen’s Award for leadership in the community - Winnipeg 2003
- Presidents Award for outstanding leadership in the community - Fort Garry 2005.
As an advocate for the community for the past 10 years I know that our Ward is comprised of community members who have varied levels of interest in education. I understand the importance of finding creative solutions to expand programming opportunities at our schools, while holding the line on taxation.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
The traditional curriculum that consists of separate “core” subjects, with a few added options, is not sufficient to prepare students for the future. The Board must remain committed to finding creative solutions that get the best value for our education expenses while continuing to deliver the best in: technology; fine arts; practical arts; technical vocational opportunities; physical education; and languages. The Board must continue to support a more holistic education that provides students with the learning experiences and knowledge they need to develop their potential while in school, in order to assume their roles as productive citizens entering the post-secondary world of education and the work force.
The Board will be challenged to effectively address many issues over the next years, including: maintaining safe school environments; teacher salary negotiations; adequate funding for education in the context of the current economy; the success of the provincial immigration policy and the impact on public schools; and ensuring students are engaged in learning.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
The Trustee role and the decisions of the school board impact communities, families and the learning environment for all students. Pembina Trails School Division is at an important stage in our School Board Leadership Initiative; the extended dialogue and consultative process with our communities and with our staff. The leadership initiative has led to the Board setting clear expectations for student learning in literacy, numeracy, student engagement, and achievement. Having been involved in this important initiative for the past two years I want to continue to contribute to the next steps of implementation and communication with our school communities in the Division and in my Ward.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
Pembina Trails School Division has become the school division that exemplifies the provincial expectations for education and has a great reputation for student learning, use of technology in the classroom, and the development of innovative programming. The recently launched Edu-Tube program is just one example of innovative programming in the Division.
Over the past four years I have remained committed to working on behalf of the communities I represent, to bring community voice to the table, to make sure Pembina Trails School Division is meeting the educational needs of our children and community. There has been advancement in educational programming while holding the line on taxation.
Programming has not suffered. The Division continues to focus on the “core” subject requirements and is continually looking at creative ways to expand educational opportunities.
We have had significant growth in school-based day cares, with new ones flourishing in Linden Meadows, Whyte Ridge, Viscount Alexander, and Oakenwald Schools.
Opportunities for technical vocational programming are expanding and we are making greater use of technology in the classroom.
Innovative teaching tools developed by Pembina Trails allow students and teachers to participate in real-time tutoring sessions utilizing intranet/internet based services.