2014 Winnipeg Civic Election

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

After working in the school division as a teacher and principal for the past 36 years I feel I can give back to the community and school division. I feel as an educator I can bring another perspective at the Trustee level. I live in the ward I am running in and I just retired in June 2014 as the principal of Sun Valley Elementary school.

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

Focused, hard working, committed, organized and working to make decisions that are in the best interest of children. These are some qualities and strengths I will bring to the position of a school trustee. In my former role as principal I was able to work with a budget and stay within it in order to support students and staff. I have been a number of other boards which I can draw experience from. As a principal one of my main jobs was to work effectively with all of the stakeholders in the education of students. I feel my experience will go a long way in working with the various groups.

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?

Working on communicating with the community on possible changes in the future.

We need to monitor how the River East Collegiate catchment area with the grade six students leaving elementary schools and the grade nine students leaving middle school is doing.

The government’s initiative: Kindergarten to grade 3 class size of 20 or under. How is it working for students and teachers?

These issues are important to me because the cost of running a school division needs to balance with student success.

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

Our division excels in the working relationships with the different organizations and groups that work together. How we support students that require special services is another strength because of the groups that do work together.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I can offer a new voice at the trustee table. A voice from a former principal and teacher, who knows we need to balance the cost of running a school division and helping students become successful.