Winnipeg Election 2018

Cheryl Smukowich - St. James - Assiniboia - Kirkfield - St. Charles

Why did you decide to run in the 2018 (Winnipeg Civic Election / School Board Election)?

I have served as a trustee for the St. James Assiniboia School Division since 2006. It has been my privilege to represent the Kirkfield – St. Charles ward. I enjoy the role and work of our Board of Trustees and I will continue to advocate for my community and all children in our School Division.

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

I am currently the Vice-Chair of the St. James-Assiniboia Board of Trustees and a Region 5 Director on the Manitoba Schools Boards Association Executive Committee. I am a mother of 4 children, all graduates of our school division. I am a grandmother of 7 grandchildren living in our division. I currently have 2 grandchildren enrolled in elementary school in the St. James Assiniboia School Division. I have served on multiple committees and boards in our community:

• Past-President, Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre
• Past President, KWCC Nursery School
• Co-Chair Safe Grad Committee, Westwood Collegiate

It is my responsibility, as your school trustee, to create opportunities for meaningful community engagement and to welcome your opinions and concerns. It is a priority for me to stay on top of these issues. I attend events that offer opportunities to connect with my school communities. Ultimately, student success requires the collaborative efforts of staff, students, parents, as well as community and business members. I believe the experience gained as a member of your Board of Trustees will be an asset to me as our division faces the challenges ahead.

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?

I am a strong advocate for public education and for helping students achieve success. Safety and mental wellness, for both students and staff, are also important priorities  for me. I will also work to maintain the Division’s position as one of the lowest taxed school divisions in Winnipeg.

What is something that you appreciate about the (City of Winnipeg / the ward / the school ward or school division) you wish to represent?

As a life time resident of St. James-Assiniboia, I appreciate the strong communities of our division. A critical role of school boards is to ensure the programming and opportunities offered to students and families reflect the needs and values of our community. There are many exciting programs and initiatives taking place in our division: Outdoor Classrooms, Learn to Play Program, Jump Start into Kindergarten, Graduation Pow Wow,  Literacy and Numeracy Coaches, Student/Trustee Forum and the Parent/Trustee Forum to name a few. I am committed to continue serving the needs of our community.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your School Trustee. I ask for your consideration as I seek re-election. I will continue to be the voice of our community and to work hard on behalf of all students in our school division.