Winnipeg Election 2018

Wendy Bloomfield - Seine River - 1

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

I decided to run in the 2018 election for school trustee in Seine River School Division as I believe strongly in the importance of locally elected boards and their ability to address the education needs of their communities and schools.  I also believe that with the recently announced review of public education starting in January, 2019, that it will be important for trustees who have knowledge and experience with the public education system in Manitoba to take part in this very important review.

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

I have been elected to the board of Seine River School Division since 1983 and have been the Chair of the Board since 1990.  I have served on the Human Resources and Governance standing committees and many ad hoc committees.  Although retired now, my work experience with the Department of Families (17 years) and as an administrator of a non-profit child care program (16 years) are contributing assets.  I have served on a variety of community boards and organizations and am the current Chair of the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba and Vice-Chair of the St. Norbert Arts Centre.

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?

There are many issues facing public education today.  In Seine River we have increasing enrolment and face ongoing problems of having adequate classroom and ancillary space for students to learn.  We have been working extremely hard over the past number of years to make significant improvements to the literacy and numeracy skills students have upon graduation and to appropriately prepare each one of them to be contributing citizens in an ever-changing world.  In addition, schools and divisions are facing many challenges such as the impact of the digital world on learning and school life; coping with the ever-increasing issues of mental health problems in children; and ensuring that we utilize the precious public funds entrusted to us in the most equitable, efficient and transparent means possible.  These issues are important to me as I do believe in transparent public accountability, at the same time I believe that all children must have opportunities to ensure they can learn, grow and succeed.

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

As I reflect back on the past 35 years as a trustee in Seine River, I have had the pleasure of working with an incredible group of educators, administrators and staff who continually strive to ensure our children are welcomed and treated fairly and are given opportunities to learn and succeed.  Seine River is a very well respected player on the education scene in Manitoba and has developed many “made in Seine River” approaches to student success.  We continually strive to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of our students; have enhanced music, drama and art; are paying particular attention to student well-being; and demonstrating how the influence of early childhood programming can get students off to the best start possible.  Being both a rural and urban school division, we get to experience the uniqueness of our communities and benefit by understanding our differences.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

As a parent and grandparent of three children currently enrolled in public schools, I am passionate about ensuring that we have a strong, local voice in managing our schools.  I want to ensure that we treat all children fairly and have their best interests at heart, at the same time being fiscally responsible for funds entrusted to our care.  I’m hoping that with my experience, knowledge and dedication to Seine River I can count on your support on October 24th.