Winnipeg Election 2022

Tamara Kuly - Winnipeg - 7

What got you into politics?

I’ve engaged in political action that is issues-specific over the years.  But, Bill 64 – and how it clearly did not reflect the already biased findings in the K-12 Education Commission Review report – was a tipping point for me.

Three items in particular – the dissolution of democratic processes to ensure local voice, the shift of paid work (trustee work) to volunteer labour in the creation of PACs and a central group of “elected” members, and the fact that this group very strongly under-represented voices from Winnipeg and over-represented voices from conservative-voting areas – were my main concerns.  That, and that Bill 64 did not act on recommendations from the consultation process, were clear indications that political action was needed. So, I began to add my voice to the opposition to Bill 64.

In addition to Bill 64, the lack of resourcing to create safe environments in K-12 schools during COVID and the stunning lack of advocacy by our elected Board was something I needed to respond to and did.

Our Ward 7 Trustee was silent and so, with the encouragement of some community members, I decided to run in the upcoming election.

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

I live in the ward. My kids attend(ed) Luxton School.

I have experience within the community and public school system as a volunteer. I’ve served on the executive of the Luxton Community Centre and as both Secretary and Chair of the Ecole Luxton School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in recent years. I currently serve on the board of the Luxton Residents’ Association.

I’m an outspoken advocate for public schools. A vocal opponent of Bill 64 that helped organize efforts to successfully stop its attempt to limit local voice in education. An advocate for safe school spaces for staff and students. These issues and concerns  led to me taking on tasks that were really the job of a trustee (speaking to parent groups, educating the community, gathering feedback from parent groups)

Professionally, I lead groups through stakeholder-informed strategic planning, have deep experience in creating and managing large, complex budgets and budgeting processes, and have built gender parity and DEI strategies over the past 5 years using processes that would lend themselves well to achieving improvements in equity for staff and student outcomes in WSD.

I have the experience to bring transparency, accountability and action to the WSD Board of Trustees.

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?

Overall, my primary goal is to improve student outcomes – for all students.  This means creating a safe, welcoming and supportive learning environment for all kids and families. To do this, I plan to

1. Support systemic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: Funding decisions and priorities, advocacy to the Provincial and Federal gov’ts, gathering data on what worked, what didn’t and how we can prepare better for in-school learning disruptions. All of these things will help students and educators recover and create a more stable division that is able to respond to future disruptions collaboratively with staff and parents.
2. Improve the accessibility and equity of Winnipeg School Division:  Through frequent, meaningful engagement with our community, build a more equitable system that will
   • creatively and collaboratively make space for all students to thrive
   • forge strong relationships with WSD staff and a workplace culture that attracts and retains talented teams who reflect our community
3. Eliminate barriers to local involvement in school division decisions: Again, through engagement but also adopting open processes that allow parents and communities to participate and to hold elected Trustees accountable for their action (and for their inaction). 

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I look forward to bringing a level of experience and accountability the Board of Trustees currently lacks. Our families and kids deserve that. But our communities do as well.

A strong public education system is foundational to a thriving community. There is some rebuilding to do. But more excitingly, there is new ground to cover and positive change we can support and direct.  We need fresh eyes, bold leadership and community representation to do this well. I’d like to be a part of the next Board of Trustees to help steward the transformation of WSD towards it’s potential.