Winnipeg Election 2018

Gerry Melnyk - Pembina Trails - 1

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

I am running for re-election to continue to serve the Ward 1 community and their vision in education. As we continue to implement and adopt new teaching strategies and competencies to meet current learning needs, we will better engage learners and improve student achievement.

By running for re-election I will continue to promote meaningful accountability and respect as I understand the values, the needs and the uniqueness of our Charleswood community-neighbourhood. This commitment will prevent schools from feeling isolated and foster the development of a culture of trust, as parents and communities feel more connected. I would like to continue to serve in this capacity and continue to utilize critical pathways to establish collaborative partnerships within the education community. This is achieved by listening, representing and supporting our community.

PTSD has opened a new school, Ecole South Point (K-8) in 2017, and we will be celebrating the construction of a new K-8 and a new High School in the Spring of 2019 in Waverly West. I am running for re-election in order to continue to offer support and make meaningful contributions and suggestions for the successful planning of the new schools.

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

My governance experience, my knowledge of the issues, my active participation in establishing and implementing protocols, procedures and policies for the PTSD, complement and strengthen my role as your School Trustee.

Locally:

1. Pembina Trails School Division- Board of Trustees 2002-2018.
2. Winnipeg Technical College – Board of Governors 1999-2006 (Chairperson 2001-2004) [Now Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT)].

Provincial Recognition:

1. Safe Schools Manitoba Advisory Council 2016-2018.
2. Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA) Board of Directors representing the Manitoba School Boards Association (2012-2016).
3. MHSAA Lifetime Achievement Award for Coaching.
4. Sport Manitoba Coaching Excellence Award (Multi-Sport) for Years of Service.
5. Community Legal Education Association of Manitoba, Board of Directors (1994-2006), President 1998-2000.

National Experience and Credibility:

1. Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CCAF)- 1997-2018.
2. Member of the Advisory Group ‘Moving Forward with Articulation Agreements in Canada’ for Colleges and Universities 2003-2004.

My commitment to Safe and Caring School Communities is exemplified by my commitment to continue to build on my capacity to govern by attending Professional Development activities sponsored by the School Safety Advocacy Council (SSAC).

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 the learning environment/climate becomes more complex, School Boards/Senior and School Administrators, and Management must act together to optimize value for your money and be consistent with providing a quality education within budget. Crafting a budget that envisions expanding educational opportunities and experiences for our students and seeing that the PTSD is managed efficiently is an ongoing process each and every year in working to establish long term tax stabilization.

I will continue to support the Standards for Success in Literacy (SSL) Leveraging Digital (Education Technology) Learning Plan, Pembina Trails Early College (PTEC) and the new Training Centre for Reading Recovery at Pacific Junction School, to meet these current learning needs. As a result of these initiatives, we can turn educational innovation into opportunities for students.

I will continue to support PTSD’s practice of empowering administrators and teachers to provide innovative learning opportunities to build capacity for this increased student achievement.

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 spirit of cooperation and collaboration demonstrated by our community members in identifying and finding solutions to emerging needs in Ward 1.

The dedication, collaboration and commitment of alumni, parents, educators, local organizations/businesses, service clubs and our city councillor in supporting initiatives and projects for our students is exceptional. Without their support projects such as the development of the Oak Park Football Field/Outdoor Classroom space, Oak Park Dance Studio/Wellness Centre/Phys. Ed. Office space, Westdale Basketball Court/Outdoor Classroom, Westgrove Community Gardens, numerous play structures and breakfast programs are but a few of the examples of the exemplary support demonstrated by our community in Ward 1.

This is the foundation of good citizenship in our Charleswood Community.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

My wife Myra and I, have resided in Charleswood for the past 38 years. Our children, Jamie and Kristin, attended PTSD schools and are graduates of Oak Park High School. My 4 grandchildren currently attend PTSD schools and Kindergarten Here We Come at Beaverlodge School. As a dedicated educator and long time coach, I was honoured to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association and Sport Manitoba recognized my commitment to student athletes with a Coaching Excellence Award (Multi-Sport).

I welcome the opportunity to continue representing you as your School Trustee!