Winnipeg Election 2018

Denisa Gavan-Koop - Louis Riel - 3

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

I decided to run because I believe the LRSD board should be receptive to the needs of young families. As a mom with a young child, I understand the challenges facing families and I want to ensure these challenges are reflected in the decisions the board takes. I was inspired to run in part because of programs like RIEL-EVATE and ASPIRE that bring communities together and enhance access to educational opportunities.

Further, as a member of a family that immigrated to Canada when I was 4, I know firsthand how important public education is to giving students the skills and opportunities necessary for them to succeed in life.

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

I have been a lifelong advocate for students and children in both my professional and volunteer roles. I am currently the coordinator of The Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness, Winnipeg’s first strategy to prevent and end youth homelessness in Winnipeg, and Chair of the Winnipeg Immigrant Advisory Table. In Ward 3, I was previously vice-chair and am now chair of the St. Germain Daycare Board of Directors.

I have worked as a coordinator, an urban planner and a policy analyst for three levels of government. I have the experience to advocate effectively for the needs of our students and, as a certified public engagement professional, the skills to build positive and lasting collaborative relationships between the board, the community and governments.

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?

As trustee, I have three goals in particular.

• First, I will defend public education in LRSD by fighting for strong and stable provincial funding for our schools. This is the most effective way to ensure that the school tax can remain manageable for everyone—including seniors, young families, and folks living on fixed incomes—in our community.
• Second, I will support and strengthen school programming in core areas like reading, math and writing, but we also have to ensure that other programming like music, arts and physical education is available to enrich our students’ lives.
• Finally, I will create and sustain both dialogue and collaboration between everyone who has a stake in the future of our students in LRSD: parents, trustees, teachers, support staff, governments, and residents of the ward.

I believe that pursuing these goals will help to create an environment where students will have available to them every opportunity possible for future success.

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

LRSD Ward 3 is a dynamic, diverse and rapidly changing community with many young families whose children attend public schools. I believe that the LRSD board needs to reflect that dynamism and diversity and be receptive to the needs and concerns of the people of the ward.

Our schools and our students are an important part of the tapestry of our community in Ward 3. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to raise my daughter in this community and want to give back as a school trustee.

We are lucky in the Louis Riel School Division to have outstanding teachers and staff. Trustees should strive to find every opportunity to expand on their success and enhance their job satisfaction in LRSD.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I believe I have both the experience and the skills necessary to make a difference on the LRSD board, as well as to bring a fresh perspective to that role. I would be proud to represent Ward 3 as a school trustee.