Winnipeg Election 2018

Debbie Shane - Seven Oaks - 2

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

As a resident of Seven Oaks School Division for over 30 years, I’ve seen the Division grow and become more diversified. My three children attended schools in the Division, as did I.

I would like to see our School Division continue to grow, and become a shining example to other School Divisions by giving our students the best education possible.

We have very talented teachers, who I believe should have access to the latest and best resources available.

We need to make sure that when our young people graduate they are armed with the knowledge they need to become successful, productive, and responsible members of society. This is a huge responsibility that is not to be taken lightly.

I want to ensure that all students and teachers are safe in our schools, and that they are accepted for who they are irregardless of cultural background, or sexual orientation.

I want to ascertain that School Division funding is being used in a fiscally responsible way.

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

My experiences as a daycare provider for over 25 years, and as a Mother, have shown me that although cultures are different, and personalities are unique, all children respond positively when treated with respect, positive guidance, and patience.

My experiences as a Parent Association member of my sons Air Cadet Squadron, in the capacity of treasurer, and Parent Association President for two years, proved to me that structure, positive role models and recognition for a job well done, are paramount to instilling self confidence, and pride in who they are, in young people.

I volunteered at a homeless shelter for about 5 years, where I got to see and hear first hand what can happen when young people don’t graduate, don’t have the tools they need to get jobs, or jobs that pay enough to survive, and fall prey to drugs or alcohol.

As a member of my child’s soccer coaching team for many years, through positive reinforcement and recognition, I was able to help the players gain self confidence and learn to work together as a team.

 

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?

Manitoba once again ranked last in national testing at the grade 8 level in Reading, Math, and Science. We need to take a hard look at how our education system in the province is structured, give teachers the tools and resources they need to teach, look at administrative salaries.

With Bill C45, the legalization of marijuana, coming into effect in less than 3 weeks, we need to ensure our schools have programs and resources available to students and teachers. Drugs and alcohol are already in abundance within schools starting at the middle school level.

We need to provide a safe environment for both students and teachers. According to statistics, Canada has the 9th highest rate of bullying in the 13 yr old category on a scale of 35 countries, 1 in 3 adolescent students report being bullied, 80% of bullying occurs with peers around, and 89% of teachers say bullying and violence are serious problems.

Provincial funding per student in Manitoba School Divisions increased by 103% from 1999-2018, well above the national average. We have the second highest public school funding in Canada. We need to ensure that our School Division gets the funding we need.

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 35 year resident of the School Division, I appreciate the efforts of previous Trustees and Senior Adminstrators for making improvementing to our existing schools and for having the forthough to plan and build new schools to accommodate our growing population.

I also recognize and appreciate how the Division has adapted to the changing ethnic diversity of our Community by introducting and funding new programs, and for the dedication of our educators who have adapted their curriculums to meet these new challenges.

 

 

 

 

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I’m proud to be a resident of the City of Winnipeg, and the Seven Oaks School Division.

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].