Winnipeg Election 2018

Holly Hunter - St. James - Assiniboia - King Edward - Deer Lodge

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

I am proud to have attended and to work in Manitoba’s public school. Amazing work is happening in our schools! However, working on the frontlines as a classroom teacher I have known too many students that have fallen through the cracks, students that in middle school lack basic numeracy and literacy skills. Seeing this breaks my heart.

I chose to run for school trustee because I believe I have the knowledge and skill set to help the board work towards maximizing current resources to ensure all students have the supports they need to be successful.

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

I was a SJASD student from kindergarten through grade 12 and attended Stevenson-Britannia School, George Waters Middle School and St. James Collegiate.

My experience includes:

• Working as a school classroom teacher
• Taught internationally
• Earned a BA, B.Ed, PBDE, and M.Ed. (Winter 2019)
• Board member of The Manitoban where I ensured the financial viability of the paper, assisted in developing a three-year strategic plan and sat on the executive hiring committee
• Member of Girl Guides of Canada Girl’s First Steering Committee which oversaw the 5-year, $3 million-dollar Girls First project
• Co-chair of the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium responsible for overseeing all aspects of the annual four-day event
• Unit Guider with Girl Guides of Canada responsible for planning and facilitating weekly meetings as well as completing administrative tasks including managing and documenting unit finances, communicating with parents, writing unit reports and submitting risk management
• Youth Chair on the Grace Hospital Auxiliary representing the youth volunteers when voting on policy amendments and budgetary decisions
• Co-Founder of the Stevenson Homework Mentorship Program, classroom volunteer at Linwood Elementary school, as well as a judge at the divisional science and heritage fair.

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?

1. Find ways to support students to ensure they become literate and numerate citizens
2. Acknowledging that diversity is a strength, work to find ways of supporting students with different needs
3. Evidence-based, data driven decision making in the best interests of our students
4. Ensure school spaces are available for community use
5. Work towards maximizing division resources

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

I was born in St. James to a family that has been living in the community for five generations. When it was time for me to buy a home there was nowhere else I wanted to live. I love this neighbourhood and the people who make it what it is.

I believe schools are at the heart of every community, King Edward – Deer Lodge is no exception. I am so appreciative of the parents that everyday send their children off to school and to the dedicated professionals that help to shape them into twenty-first century, global citizens

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

If elected I am committed to working with other members of the board respecting different viewpoints and working to find policies that focus on providing the best education for the children of St. James Assiniboia School Division. Overall, I am looking forward to the opportunity to use my experience to sustain the positive changes while also offering a fresh perspective on issues facing the board. That is why I hope you will consider voting for me on Wednesday October 24^th to represent King-Edward Deer Lodge as one of your school trustees.