2014 Winnipeg Civic Election

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

I considered running for School Trustee a number of years ago. However, I felt the position deserved more time and attention then would be available, given my full time employment.

So I waited.

Now retired, I can focus my attention full-time; without any conflicting time commitments.

If elected, the role of School Trustee will be my ONLY JOB - and not my "other job" or "2nd job".

I look forward to being an accessible and engaged participant in our School Division.

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

I bring the experience of a 30 year professional career in the Public Service at the Senior Management/Executive level.

As the former Director of Finance and Administrtation, for the Healthy Child Manitoba Office, I am proud to have contributed to a nationally recognized strategy of programs and services for Manitoba's children and youth.

Prior to my 14 year career in child-centred public policy, I was:

 -  Director,
    Arts and Cultural Industries Branch,
    Gov't of Manitoba   

 -  Senior Provincial Adjudicator, 
    Hearings Board, Gov't of Ontario

 -  Consumer & Corporate Officer,
    Dept of Justice, Gov't of NWT

I am experienced in facilitating change, initiating new projects and ensuring programs are completed "on time" and "on budget".

As our school division faces a decade of unprecedented growth with the Waverley West sub-division, my proven professional expertise in both project development and financial management, will be an asset to the Division.

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?

There are a number of issues which I have identified on my website: kathleenmcmillanward3.com.

These are three of my top priorities:

1. I am eager to face the chanllenges within the education system as we shift into a "21st Century Learning Model" and prepare students for the future by providing flexible learning opportunities, rich in information and communication technology;

2. I endorse an Expectation for Learning; that by the end of grade 8, all students in Pembina Trails will meet (or exceed) the curricular standards in literacy and numeracy; and

3. I commit to expedite the building of planned schools in South Pointe and Bridgwater communities to decrease the current level of bussing (overcrowding, and traffic disruption) experienced by neighbouring school catchment areas.

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

Pembina Trails School Division is acknowledged throughout the city as a leader in quality education. Recognizing that no individual teacher, program or school can meet the holistic needs of children, the Division embraces a collaborative approach across program areas, departments and levels of administration and governments, to achieve the best possible outcomes for its students.

I would be pleased to join this team of dedicated professionals.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I feel I bring a level of qualifications and experience un-matched by other candidates. If elected, I will provide the time-commitment, proven financial experience and administrative leadership deserved of the Trustee position.

Make your vote REALLY count.

We all have a responsibility in the success of our schools: be it in the Classroom; the Boardroom; or at the Ballot Box.