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TRUSTEE BACKGROUND

I have served over 30 years as your full-time School Trustee representing our community of Transcona. I was honoured with a Long Service Award from the Manitoba School Board Association.

A few of the Committees that I have served on over the years:
– Parent Community Education Forum
– River East Transcona Connection Council
– Budget
– Communications
– Finance, Facilities and Transportation
– Negotiations
– Program. Policy Review and Personnel
– Strategic Planning
– Superintendent Search and Evaluation
– Trustee Code of Ethics
– Trustee Professional Development
– Lunch Program (Early and Middle Years)
– River East Transcona Teachers Association Liaison
– School Board Medal Award Interviews
– Teachers’ Personal Professional Development Fund

I have been extremely busy over this term advocating on behalf of Transcona for the infrastructure needed as the growth continues in our community. The Provincial Government is the one who approves the purchase of land and new schools within the province, so it is important that we are continually letting them know the needs of our community.

Along with that work, I have been very fortunate to be involved with two Provincial organizations that allow me to continue working towards my passion and commitment to students, staff, community, and education. I am very proud and honoured to be a part of the following:
– Co-chair of the Provincial Bargaining Table Team. I am one of two Trustees to negotiate with the Manitoba Teachers Society for School Divisions across the province. This will be my second time sitting on this committee. My first time concluded with the first ever Provincial Teachers Collective Agreement in which I was one of the two signing authorities. This is an accomplishment that I will carry with me forever.
– Chairman of the Manitoba School Board Association Pension Plan for Non-Teaching Employees of Public School Boards in Manitoba. I chair this committee that overlooks the investments of our non-teaching employees across the province to make sure that they get the best possible returns for their retirement funds.

PERSONAL PROFILE

I was born, raised, and educated in Transcona (fourth generation). I attended Wayoata, Margaret Underhill, and Arthur Day Schools, and graduated from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate. My background is in Business Administration and have worked in financial institutions.

I am married with two children. Both attended Radisson, John W. Gunn, and graduated from Transcona Collegiate. They both graduated from post-secondary school and are successful contributing members of society. I have two wonderful grandchildren, both in French Immersion programs.

I have been an active volunteer in my children’s schools from the time they were in kindergarten and have volunteered in classrooms and served on various parent councils. I have held several positions, from parent member to Chairman of the parent council. I have also coached junior girls curling teams, and middle years boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams in Transcona.

I was instrumental in setting up and running the Radisson Elementary School parent council and lunch program and have also aided other lunch programs and parent councils in the Division when help was needed.