Winnipeg Election 2018

Jerry Sodomlak - River East - Transcona - 1

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

I am running for a second term as trustee in RETSD. The first year or two was a steep learning curve understanding the nuances of education from the governance perspective while the last couple years have been much more engaging. I believe in a second term I now offer more experience to the role of a school trustee. I have an education background and try to bring that perspective to the board table along with being a former student and lifelong community member in Transcona. I value the discussions with community members on topics related to education in Transcona and truly aim to enhance the quality learning opportunities for our children and ultimate successes today and tomorrow.

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

I have 32 years of experience as a teacher and school principal, 26 of which were in RETSD so I bring a perspective of that education background to discussions of the board. Having served the past four years as a school trustee I now have a better understanding of governance oversight and have recently been elected to sit on the Manitoba School Board Association as one of the Region 5 Directors, representing metro school divisions. This is another step in my personal & professional learning in regards to the role of trustees in the governance of public education which will benefit me in decision making for RETSD.

Over the last couple years we have had to address some challenges presented to us in RETSD such as the community growth, which has resulted overcrowding in some of our schools. Meeting with parent groups in the various schools, listening to their needs and concerns then trying to incorporate these needs into plans for catchment reviews was tremendously valuable and rewarding when we were able to implement many of their needs into final plans. It also involved working with community agencies like day cares to ensure spaces were available as students moved schools.

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 I mentioned in the previous question we are being confronted with tremendous growth in Transcona area which is causing strains on our schools. It is very important we work collaboratively with the community to devise plans that will be long term and not just knee jerk reactions with short term solutions. I believe in collaboration and look for ways to engage families and stakeholders in sharing these challenges, as well as the many successes, with a goal to constantly enhance and improve student success.

It is important to constantly review, challenge and assess programs to ensure we are providing current, relevant and the best learning environments and programming for children.

I also believe that public education, because it has all children and families funnel through it, has become the focal point for all societal issues and concerns including family structures, poverty, health needs and justice concerns but does not have the resources required to address them all. It is imperative that we increase our dialogue with social services, day care associations, health care and justice to work together, share resources both human and monetary, to create healthy environments for our children and communities.

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 the utmost appreciation for the dedication of our staff to be constantly seeking to improve their practice and opportunities for children, treating each child as an individual and trying to meet their needs. RETSD has been a leader in many ways which is a testament to the skilled individuals working in our system. As a teacher I sometimes questioned the pace at which new technologies or new initiatives were taking to be implemented, but looking from a new lense I see the importance of the research and development that RETSD takes to ensure the kinks are all worked out, the questions answered with infrastructure and supports in place before rolling out new initiatives.  From the classroom & school, to maintenance, transportation and technology, all areas of the division are equally important and treated as such.

I also have high regard for the families who work with their children’s teachers and schools to support their children. It isn’t easy, today’s world is different than that we grew up in including family dynamics with two parents working to meet high demands both in school and their communities for their time and resources.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

This next term may have long term implications on education with the provincial government looking towards an education review. I believe there is always room to improve  and welcome changes that will improve opportunities and success for our students while at the same time being fiscally responsive to the communities we serve. I sincerely hope we can work together with these decision makers to ensure the changes are focused on that end. Our children’s education is our future!

I am passionate about education and strive to create healthy successful children in healthy communities, for today and tomorrow.