Winnipeg Election 2018

Jennifer Lawson - St. James - Assiniboia - King Edward - Deer Lodge

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

I have chosen to put my name forward as a candidate for School Trustee as a direct result of my lifelong commitment to education and to my community. As a parent and educator, I am passionate about maintaining an effective public school system that meets the needs of all students.

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

Professionally, I have been a teacher, consultant, vice principal, and principal, with experience working in urban Winnipeg, as well as rural and northern Manitoba. Most of my career in education was spent in Winnipeg’s inner-city schools.

Currently, I hold three professional positions. I teach in the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education, training aspiring teachers. I am also a professional writer, with an extensive collection of educational books, entitled The Hands On Series, published and implemented in schools across Canada. My publisher, Portage and Main Press, is a local company that specializes in Canadian content and professional books for teachers.

I am also a current School Trustee in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, having completed two four-year terms in this role. I am the Chair of the Education Committee for the School Board, and spent one year as the Chair of the Personnel Committee. I have also served on a variety of School Board Committees, including Marketing, Early Childhood, Awards and Scholarships, Board-Teacher Liaison, and the St. James Scholarship Foundation.

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?

I am committed to the following issues in this election:

1. Support all students in meeting their potential through effective educational programs, including academics, the arts, athletics, trades programs, and special education.
2.  Ensure adequate supports are in place for at-risk students so that classrooms foster a productive learning environment for all students.
3. Seek ways to serve an increasingly diverse community population. The community of St. James-Assiniboia is changing in terms of demographics.
4. Enhance connections between schools and the community by supporting family centres, child care, recreation programs, and community organizations. For example, it is evident that there is a shortage of child care spaces in our community. As such, the School Board must respond to this issue by working together with other levels of government and community organizations to address this need.
5. Keep the needs of students and the community first. People must come before policy and politics – at all times.
6. Maintain fair and equitable school taxes. As a School Trustee, I have been put in a position of trust. That means that the public has put their faith in us in terms of being fiscally responsible.

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

The King-Edward-Deer Lodge ward is rich in history, diversity, and community. It is a place that I am proud to have called home for my entire life and, therefore, it is an honour to serve the citizens, families, and children of the ward.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I am a life-long resident of St. James with a voice of experience and commitment to public education.