Winnipeg Election 2018

Rodger Salm - Louis Riel - 2

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

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

25 years of combined board experience from 2 other Boards that I sit on. This experience will be an asset to me in communicating the needs of the public to LRSD. I was awarded a Kinsmen Life Membership for my role in volunteering and commitment to “serving the communities greatest needs” in 2015. I have been a community centre girls basketball coach for 4 seasons and continue to do so.

LRSD Board members are from varying backgrounds and my business background could be an asset to the school board. One of the roles of a trustee is to “..recognize that the school division or district they serve may be one of the largest businesses in town, and that the board is responsible for seeing that that business is well-managed.”1

1. A Guide to School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba – page 7

I have worked with schools in LRSD for the past couple years introducing a “Pets in The Classroom” pilot program that helps to reduce anxiety and stress in students (there is no health without mental health). This program helps to teach children responsibilities, empathy and compassion. This program has now become available to 40 schools. More info at www.petsintheclassroom.org .

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?

The LRSD board needs to continue on its role of inclusivity with our students. Preparing students for adult life issues, ie. practical math, preparation for continued education, and real life skills.

I don’t feel that school trustees should bring their own agendas to the board but instead work closely with the public (teachers, principals, and parents) to hear their voices and present their issues to the school division for discussion and hopefully results.

In my discussions with concerned stakeholders they seem frustrated with bus transportation, poor grades in Manitoba (https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/oecd-404869006.html), overcrowding in certain schools, poor communications on education direction from province, city and school division. These are some of the issues that have been communicated to me. I hope to bring these and more to the board once elected.

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

I believe that the LRSD does a great job in acknowledging and representing the diversity and multiculturalism of our students and families in the neighborhoods. With many programs to assist new immigrants such as The Newcomer Family Reception Centre and English as an Additional Language programs. They have started to make strides in helping students and administrators on mental health issues, a key component to a healthy living.

Here is a quote from the LRSD website that I firmly believe in:

“Inclusion is a way of thinking and acting that allows every individual to feel accepted, valued and safe. An inclusive community consciously evolves to meet the changing needs of its members. Through recognition and support, an inclusive community provides meaningful involvement and equal access to the benefits of citizenship.”

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

Don’t forget to vote on October 24th.

Your Voice…Your Choice.

Rodger Salm