Many council seats in the RM of Ritchot and the Town of Niverville are going uncontested this year, with the entirety of Niverville’s council and three of five members of Ritchot’s council, including the mayor, getting elected by acclamation.
As a result of this situation, many people may come to the conclusion that there’s no reason for them to cast a vote in the October 24 election.
However, even if you don’t find yourself headed to the ballot box to elect members of your local council, you still have an important electoral decision to mull over—one which often gets little media attention but which nonetheless has a big impact on our everyday lives.
In both the Hanover School Division’s Ward 1, which includes Niverville and New Bothwell, and in the Seine River School Division’s Ward 2, which includes Île-des-Chênes, St. Adolphe, and Grande Pointe, a full slate of candidates are vying for positions on their school boards.
Although we tend not to discuss school board issues as often as we discuss those relating to our municipal councils, school trustees carry a significant responsiblity.
In short, this election matters.
“The role of trustee demands deliberation in matters of fiscal responsibility and policy, of educational programming, of staffing, of liaison and connection with our parent councils and other community groups, and in supporting the superintendent’s team as they bring direction and leadership with a deeper learning philosophy to the schools in the division,” says Ruby Wiens, the outgoing trustee for Hanover School Division’s Ward 1. After 12 years and three terms on the HSD board, she has decided not to run for re-election. “Most importantly, the role of trustee requires a passion for kids and an awareness that the decisions made around the board table affect their health and success as learners and as people.”
In order to help our readers make their decision and get to know the candidates better, The Citizen has asked each candidate for trustee a few questions clarifying their experiences and qualifications.
Here is what they had to say.
Ward 2 | Seine River School Division
5 candidates, 3 open positions
Jennifer Stefansson
Incumbent
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I am the only professionally designated accountant currently on the board and running for re-election. I am a CPA-CA and have a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting. My financial background has helped me in my role as the Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee as I liaise with the auditors and help to ensure proper controls are in place over the public funding. I am open and honest and a great listener. I advocate for the stakeholders in our division and am an active member of our community, volunteering on boards every chance I get.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: In my professional career, I lead the Audit & Risk Management department in a large international company where I oversee the company’s policies and Enterprise Risk Management program. My experience in my career has been transferred to my role in the board as the Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee and a member of the Governance Committee as I work to ensure proper fiscal management by questioning policies and procedures in place.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a member of the SRSD board?
A: Students are my number one priority. Student learning is of utmost importance and ensuring we have the resources in place to help students and staff to accomplish goals is a priority. Staff well-being is another priority of equal rank. We need to ensure we have engaged staff who are active in the students’ academic careers to help them to strive to be the best learners they can be. Providing staff access to resources and learning opportunities is key. Lastly, having an inclusive environment that is conducive to open communication is a priority. I want to make sure everyone feels they have a voice and can be heard and valued for their opinions.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I am a mother of four children and a vested parent in our school system in both the Immersion and English streams, having one child in high school in French immersion, two in elementary in English, and one who is beginning preschool. I am an active community volunteer as the treasurer of both the Lorette Family Fun Group and the Lorette Skatepark project. I believe that actions speak louder than words and have shown my commitment to our great community through the work I do as a volunteer. My daytime job prevents me from being active in my children’s classrooms, so my way of giving back to the education system is to offer my professional experience through my work as a school trustee. I have loved the last six years of being on the board and would be honoured to serve our community in the upcoming term!
Sean Maguet
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I have been involved on sports teams my entire life and also been involved with volunteering my time on various boards and groups. In all these cases, I have learned what it is like to be part of a team and how to pull together to achieve a common goal. In the case of a school trustee, I would work extremely hard with my school board team and all other concerned parties to ensure that the children of the Seine River School Division get the best education and guidance they can get, as I strongly believe that they are our future.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: I was voted the Team Leader of my entrepreneurship practicum while enrolled in the Business Administration Program at Red River College. My responsibilities included overseeing a team of 12, which included a secretary, writer, accounting team, marketing team, and administration team. I oversaw all these departments and was the liaison with our professor and business groups in the community whom we met with.
While working at Great-West Life, I was asked to help organize a company soccer league and hockey league.
Since moving to Lorette, I have had the opportunity to help young girls and boys in the community enjoy a great experience playing both ringette and soccer by coaching in both sports and being a current member of the Lorette Ringette Board. I am also a current member of the Eastman Ringette Board.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a member of the SRSD board?
A: If I am given the opportunity of being a school trustee for the Seine River School Division, it would include doing whatever is needed to enhance the experience of all students during their time as a student and prepare them for a happy and successful future. I believe the most important thing I can do is to help our children get all the advantages possible at Seine River, which includes giving them all the resources and help they need to reach their potential.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I grew up in the small town of Ste. Rose du Lac, which is a smaller version of many of the communities in the Seine River School Division. I moved to Winnipeg after graduating high school and lived in Winnipeg until 2015. I am married with one beautiful seven-year-old daughter who is the reason I am running for the position of school trustee. My wife is also from a small town, and prior to our daughter beginning school we decided that we wanted to move to a small town to give her all the advantages that we had growing up. After looking at many places in the area, we ended up moving to Lorette and immediately loved every minute of it. I have gotten involved in volunteering in the community ever since we moved here and I would like to continue to serve and give back to this community and surrounding area by working hard as a school trustee.
Vicky Kiansky
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I believe my biggest contribution would be my policy skills. I have six years of experience researching, writing, developing, and delivering effective policies and programs. The primary role of the board is to set policy and I know who needs to be at the table on the front end, how to solve problems during the process, how to communicate and train leaders on the changes, and how to hold the right people accountable on the back end to achieve success. Change happens with good policy, and good policy begins with the right people at the table—trustees, educators, parents, government, local community, and children—working collaboratively and acting in the best interest of the children with integrity, respect, skill, and dedication.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: I have many years of experience working on committees and councils. I have been co-chair of United Way’s GenNext Engagement Committee and Day of Caring Committee, working closely with both community groups and stakeholders. I was also a council member for six years with United Way and am currently a Fund Development Committee member with Bookmates, an early literacy program for families and children, where I have been effectively working with others to collectively reach our goals.
Additionally, my thesis work through my Master’s Program in Family Social Services taught me the value and importance of early child development. My decade of being a big sister for the Big Brothers and Sisters organization has taught me the value of mentorship for children. These experiences, combined with 13 years working for the province as a financial officer and policy analyst, contribute to a well-rounded board candidate.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a member of the SRSD board?
A: First and foremost, my greatest priority is ensuring all decisions made by the board are in the best interest of the children and community we are serving. I think it is important to remember that children also have a voice and, where appropriate, they should be consulted so we can make the best decisions with them rather than for them. Empowering children not only gives them valuable life skills, it gives them confidence and a sense of ownership as well.
Secondly, I want to ensure that communication with parents, teachers, and the community is a two-way street. I want to determine how we can better share information with parents but also hear and address their concerns. The board has an important role in guiding the direction of schools and it is important to acknowledge that we cannot do it alone.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I am passionate about education. I have the knowledge and skills to be a valuable contributor to the board and I have the drive and motivation to see the board succeed and, more importantly, see our children thrive. As the only candidate west of Lorette, I also want to bring some much needed diversity to board. Ward 2 encompasses three major towns and our board should reflect that with a greater distribution of members.
I understand what it takes to work together with a team. I know how to listen effectively, ask the right questions, and stay focused. As a new board member, I would be bringing a different voice, fresh ideas, and new perspectives to the table, developing innovative goals and finding ways to continuously improve our children’s education.
Christine Roskos
Incumbent
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I believe my connection to the communities, with having my kids currently in the school system and involved in various activities, allows me to have an ear to the ground with concerns and changes that our stakeholders would like to see in our education system.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: Prior to my first term as a trustee, I was involved with the Parent Advisory Council for six years. I took a very active role on the PAC, serving as President for much of that time. I have also served on several boards throughout our community. I want to continue to be the community voice at the board table. Coming from a French language background and seeing the benefits of a bilingual education, I would like our division to continue to enhance our French Immersion education. During my first term as trustee, I sat on the Governance, Communication, and Human Resources sub-committees. I am also an administrative assistant and event planner for an agricultural trade show.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a member of the SRSD board?
A: SRSD has recently made a priority of enhancing our students’ emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. This will be a big priority and endeavour over the next four years and I look forward to the support of the St. Adolphe, Île-des-Chênes and Lorette communities to provide me with the opportunity to be a part of this work. Meeting all of our students’ needs and ensuring they grow up to be resilient critical thinkers is important to me both as a parent and community member.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I was born and raised just outside of Lorette and completed my education in the French school of the Seine River School Division, which later separated to the DSFM. Together with my husband, we are raising our three kids on a family farm in Dufresne. Our kids attend the French Immersion grade school and high school in Lorette.
Jessalyn Cahill
Incumbent
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I believe the greatest asset I bring to the role of trustee is my unrestrained passion for the students, staff, and all stakeholders of Seine River School Division. I boldly represent stakeholders at all meetings. I am not afraid to stand alone on issues I know matter to the people of SRSD. I have roots in all the communities of Ward 2, which gives me the understanding and drive I need to conduct myself as a true servant to these communities. I think my passion shows in that I joined the local parent council 11 years ago before I had children attending school. I have a genuine interest in high-quality education.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: I think the best experience I have is the past eight years of being on the board. I have never failed to present the wants and concerns of stakeholders at the board table. I have learned how to approach situations facing the local education system effectively, enabling me to make real change possible.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a member of the SRSD board?
A: My single greatest priority is to accurately represent the communities in my ward, to voice their concerns and priorities at the board table. What do I hear from my communities? I hear we care about keeping class sizes modest, we question and want to be informed about multi-aged classes, we want improved French learning in both the French Immersion and the English stream, we want more choices when it comes to exploring band and arts, we want to attract and maintain passionate teachers, we want improved access to sports and more sport program options at all skill and grade levels, we care about the well-being of students at all ages, and we want middle years class choices such as home economics and woodworking.
I am also interested in developing a system where student voice becomes a strength in our division. I am interested in keeping students engaged in school while preparing them for success after high school. My hope for SRSD is to provide an environment which supports every student and every staff member in their quest to achieve their best!
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I grew up for the most part in St. Adolphe, where I started my journey in education. My family relocated to Grande Pointe in my teen years, which saw me graduating from College Lorette Collegiate. This is also where I met my husband, a lifelong resident of Lorette. We have three children together, ages 14, ten, and one and a half. We have lived in the Lorette and Île-des-Chênes area since 2004. I like to volunteer my time with various community groups and causes, including Lorette Junior Youth at SRC. I enjoy cheering on my children at their sports, which include hockey, baseball, basketball, swimming, and gymnastics. In my spare time, you can find me reading, learning a new skill, or begging my family to play a board game with me.
Ward 1 | Hanover School Division
4 candidates, 2 open positions
Carisa Klassen
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I’m an ear to the ground. I’m a mom of three school girls. I walk them to school every day and I volunteer in order to meet and interact with other children, parents, and school staff. I’m a good listener, goal-oriented, and can make decisions without emotional influence.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: My previous role as a procedure writer and auditor for a feed company, and my current role as the CFO for a local business, have given me experience in the areas of policy, procedure, and finance. Life experiences as an empathetic and sensitive person have enabled me to relate to the needs of others and given me the drive to set change in motion when necessary.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a board member?
A: Working together with staff of schools to create a healthy atmosphere for both staff and students. I want to know what works and what doesn’t work within the system. How are we getting kids to believe in themselves to become good decision-makers? How have we adapted teaching techniques to nurture this generation within the scope of their emotional and developmental needs, and how have we equipped teachers to do so?
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I believe that confidence is about relationships, students feeling known and valued by their teachers, staff and administration feeling supported, and families feeling heard and respected. In terms of achievement, I want to empower our children in social and emotional domains, believe that every child can learn, and help staff and administration to feel equipped. Finally, I believe collaboration is key and would like to form an alliance with the PAC and administration to achieve the above goals, partner with staff to create a healthy atmosphere at school, and build community and parental support.
Shannon Friesen
Incumbent
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: One of the greatest assets is my experience and knowledge gained from being on the board for the past four years. Another valuable asset I possess is a passion for all students and to see joy and success in their learning experience. I am also very personable, outgoing, and understanding, which has allowed me to form connections with parents, students, staff, and other educational stakeholders.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: My prior experience working in the school division, owning a business owner, and being a parent of four children has prepared me to make well-informed decisions regarding our students, staff, and divisional operations. I have also been an active PAC member and volunteer in various school and community activities, including outreach organizations that focus on the health and well-being of our communities and students.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a board member?
A: I believe our focus as a board should always be based on what’s best for our students. Education has changed from 20 years ago and so has society, so a top priority for me would be to continue to focus on the essential subjects and skills each student needs, but to also expand on technology, innovative programs, and our learning environments so all students engage in their learning and develop into lifelong learners.
Student safety is also a top priority for me, whether that is within the school, on the playground, or in the community as students travel to and from school. Studies indicate that a safe school environment is critical for the students’ academic achievement, health, and well-being. Another priority for me will be to continue to advocate the government for new school buildings, improved infrastructure, and stricter laws when it comes to traffic safety, bus violations, and safety around railway crossings.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as a trustee for these past four years and would like to seek re-election in order to continue some of the great projects that we as a division have started during my first term. I am currently the vice-chair for the building committee for the new high school in Niverville and look forward to seeing the completed new space and the learning opportunities that this building will provide. I am committed to being a strong voice on the HSD board and would like to see that communication and collaboration between schools, students, and home remains a priority. I am passionate and dedicated to represent the communities of Ward 1.
Jennifer Lavin
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: The greatest asset I bring is my ability to advocate with strength and persistence. My child has special needs and so from the day he was born I was thrown into a world where I was responsible for getting him the care he needed. I learned to advocate with great passion for my son and I believe I can now transfer those learned skills to the board of trustees where I would be able to work for every student and every staff member to ensure that their experience in HSD is a positive one.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: I have spent much of my career as an office manager or property manager. In those positions, I acquired an ability to organize, problem-solve, and look at issues with a long-term perspective.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a board member?
A: My greatest priority is inclusivity. Students need to know that no matter their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or ability level, they are welcome in our schools. I believe that the core of a healthy community is its children. Our children need to be given a well-rounded education, and just as importantly they need to know they are safe and respected and that they will be included and equal. In order for our kids to feel this way, their teachers, administrators, educational assistants, and all other staff members need to know that they are supported and treated with respect. If our children are taught to believe in themselves and to witness the inclusion of others as equals, they will grow up to become the next generation of leaders and parents and strong forces for good in our community and the world.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: Class sizes must remain small so that our teachers aren’t overworked, resulting in students who get lost in the shuffle. I’m in favour of permitting properly chaperoned school dances. I believe that educational assistants should receive better training and higher pay. And I would like to see the inclement weather policy changed so our students and staff can remain at home if the weather or road conditions make travel hazardous.
Mary Yoder
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset you can bring to the table in the role of trustee?
A: I’m a natural leader. However, I believe a great leader knows the value of a team and the benefit of drawing areas of leadership out of the people they work with. I like to think outside the box and I’m great at problem solving.
Q: What previous experiences have helped prepare you for this position?
A: I’m originally from Alberta, where I studied diligently and qualified for scholarships toward my four-year Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta. Since then, I have overseen the Field Education Program at Providence College and have been a substitute teacher in most of the schools in the HSD. Since becoming a mother of three, I have also volunteered in the school our children were attending, as well as participating in the Parent Advisory Council.
Q: What are your greatest priorities when it comes to working as a board member?
A: From my point of view, I think that the province as a whole is really losing out when it comes to academics. As both a concerned parent and a potential trustee, I was astonished to see how Manitoba matches up academically with the rest of the country.
I read an article in the Winnipeg Sun from May 4 of this year that really opened my eyes as to how our students are not measuring up. Manitoba education is failing, and I don’t say that to put down the dedicated teachers and staff that are trying to educate our children. They have an overwhelming responsibility. Yet the reality is that our children are no different than kids in other provinces, and yet, as a province, we spend more on our students than in almost any other province.
According to the article, we rank dead last when it comes to math. When I looked at the Pan-Canadian Assessment of Reading, Mathematics, and Science, I learned that we also rank in the bottom three for science and reading, yet we spend more than most, and certainly more than the provinces who received higher marks in this assessment. That’s a huge problem. Money is obviously not going to get us out of this. We are going to need strong leaders with creative and inquisitive minds to tackle this. Our children’s futures depend on it.
Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
A: I have a great sense of humour and I love to laugh. But perhaps more pertinent, I just want to say that I think we have a very strong school division—I’m thrilled to have my children in Hanover. I believe that if we work together as parents, teachers, administrators, and trustees, we can do even better for our kids. I believe we must do better for the sake of our children’s futures, and I believe I have a bold voice and unique perspective to help press toward such a goal.
Special question: LGBTQ rights
One issue that has received a great deal of attention in the Hanover School Division these few years, both from residents and the media, has been the division’s stance on matters related to the LGBTQ community. Notably, there were local protests in 2013 in response to a government anti-bullying bill that extended to all students the right to form gay-straight alliances, and in 2016 a parent whose child was bullied lodged a human rights complaint about the division’s curriculum pertaining to a lack of LGBTQ representation.
In advance of this election, The Citizen asked all candidates the following question: as a prospective member of the HSD board of trustees, do you have a position on these matters?
Carisa Klassen: No one deserves to be bullied, and school should be a safe place. Bullying isn’t limited to the LGBTQ community. People are bullied for their size and shape, athletic ability, academic performance, and religious beliefs, just to name a few others, and it’s never okay. Often children are bullied by others who are insecure and have learned this behaviour as a coping technique. Our children need to be taught kindness, respect, support, and the ability to make decisions that are not based on emotions and reactions. Parents and teachers alike need to model and teach kindness and respect towards others, regardless of differences.
Shannon Friesen: I believe all students should feel welcome and safe in our schools—or anywhere, for that matter. Our schools need to support and respect everyone in a safe and caring environment, ensuring that divisional policies, guidelines, and practices are inclusive of all according to the Human Rights Code and the Manitoba Public Schools Act. We need to continue to work together as parents, students, staff, and community to prevent bullying and exclusion.
Jennifer Lavin: The law is clear in regards to LGBTQ rights. Discrimination against someone because of their sexual orientation is illegal. Bullying of all kinds and, tragically, teen suicide rates are on the rise and it is critical that we end this. We can change kids’ lives if we make school their safe place—for some, it may be the only one they have. I believe that school should be a welcoming place and a safe haven for every child.
Mary Yoder: I think our children are going to need strong leaders who think outside the box regarding concerns being presented by the LGBTQ community, while retaining the traditional values that the families in Hanover School Division have established and want to preserve. There has to be a safe place for all children in our schools. It’s going to take a strong, compassionate, intelligent, out-of-the-box kind of person to team up with the other elected trustees in the division to work toward a reality where every child and their family is treated with kindness, compassion, understanding, and respect.
