Winnipeg Election 2018

Cindy Nachtigall - Pembina Trails - 3

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

I am passionate about helping families in support of their children’s educational journey. It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together!  I have loved working with the families in South Winnipeg which includes Pembina Trails School Division for the past 20 years implementing accessible educational programs and resources for new parents, new families to the area and newcomer families to Canada and their children.  I would love to bring this support to a new level on behalf of families supporting educational excellence at every age and stage!  I bring an informed voice to the position as I work with the families on a daily basis that will become part of the school system.  At present, none of the current Trustees have this unique opportunity or personal experience.

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

I believe my professional position as Community Connector and Program Facilitator for the Fort Garry/ St. Norbert Healthy Child Coalition creates a wonderful collaborative opportunity that would support more detailed, proactive planning and communication to the board and to families entering the school division.  This would improve the quality of communication and in turn improve overall education opportunities as well as allow for better budgeting. As a long-term resident and parent of three children who were the second generation to attend kindergarten to grade twelve in the division before going on to post-secondary, I am familiar with the division’s history and understanding of the public school system in this area. I am also connected to many vital services professionally within the area which could add to more collaborative partnering in support of educational excellence.

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?

• Matching the needs of our growing community with appropriate resources for capital projects to maintain the commitments to our students, parents and educators is of great concern to me.
• Ensuring that there is adequate childcare spaces in the area either on-site or through collaboration with other partners or opportunities.
• Supporting the potential for all-day kindergarten in Pembina Trails schools.
• Supporting future school planning that minimizes the need or distance for bussing and provides the opportunity to walk when possible, especially at the elementary level.
• Forming stronger partnerships and proactive support through improved communication channels between home, school and board.

All of these issues are important to me as they support educational excellence. These priorities are also informed based on the needs and feedback I have received from families within the community.

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

I have always appreciated the division-wide program Strong Beginnings to support all children’s educational journey individually.  I also applaud the proactive school readiness support programs such as Kindergarten Here we Come and Literacy Links.  I am excited about the collaboration of the Peaceful Village with the division to support older students’ educational journey that are new to Canada as well as the summer program Ignite which also supports students in need.  I am appreciative of Pembina Trails efforts regarding technology and learning.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I believe a school trustee must be a leader who is visible, approachable and accessible as well as an inclusive communicator. This is the kind of school trustee I want to be for families. The highest quality of education is achieved when we have the strongest, healthiest partnerships between home, school and board. I believe families need a strong informed voice to represent them, and their concerns are my concerns!  This is such an important decision on behalf of their children’s educational journey.

I will be truthful, kind and fierce in support of educational excellence at every age and stage!

Cindy Nachtigall