2014 Winnipeg Civic Election

Why did you decide to run in the 2014 School Board Election?

I decided to run for the school board because I have been in education all my life, still have one daughter in high school, and want to be in a position to support progressive ideas related to student mental and physical health, an awareness of one's civic duty, and an emphasis on knowing and caring about the people and environment of our world. Also, I storngly support anti-bullying and hazing in all its forms.

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as School Trustee?

My wife and I have raised our six children in the public school system, we have experience with schools in Australia as well as Canada, and I have been a trustee when we lived in St-Norbert.

Having been a trustee, I am aware of the extent to which the system trys to control trustees and keep as much information as possible away from the citizens of the ward. I promote an open door policy and minimal in-camera meetings. I have a master's degree in education, and specialized in outdoor education and student exchanges and travel.I taught all my life, except when travelling, and still sub ,out side LRSD, so I actually know what goes on in schools. In the past, I also taught in most schools in LRSD.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as School Trustee, and why are these issues important to you?

Openess at school board meetings and a willingness to listen to parents' and others' concerns. I should also like to see every high school in Louis Riel School Division have a proper stage and theatre for drama productions.I encourage teachers and principals who are willing to organize travel/field trips beyond the school walls.. locally, across Canada, or overseas.

I question why schools have so many PD days where students have to stay home while teachers sit and partake in reams of edubabble, instead of being in class with their students. Many teachers agree with me,

What is one thing in particular that you appreciate about the school ward or school division you wish to represent?

I appreciate the effectiveness of this division's teachers, especially the music/band programmes, and I appreciate that our French immersion schools are single track. In divisions with dual track systems, the French is often marginalized and , by sheer weight of the mainstream language, dual track becomes back burner...with a very weak flame.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

If you elect me you will have a trustee who will tell it like it is, no fudging, and one who will not support wasting money on a top heavy bureaucracy. Also, I will support a superintendent and principals who have the character to make firm decisions in what can sometimes be a situation where it is difficult to placate everybody. We have such leaders now, and from time to time they will need to feel they are backed by the elected people who sit on the school board and make policy. Finally, I encourage school administrators to find time to escape being captive to the blue lights of their computer monitors and , daily, to spend some time in the halls, classrooms and grounds of the schools in their charge. The effect on the staff, students and themselves will be positive.