{"id":480,"date":"2026-09-21T17:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T17:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/192.168.100.222\/?page_id=480"},"modified":"2026-09-24T17:19:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T17:19:45","slug":"about-me","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/about-me\/","title":{"rendered":"About Me"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"gtranslate_wrapper\" id=\"gt-wrapper-45337039\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><nav class=\"is-responsive items-justified-right wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-b507c051 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-1\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive items-justified-right wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/beliefs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Beliefs<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/proud-of\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Proud of<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/out-and-about\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Out &amp; About<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/why-run\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Why Run<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/about-me\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">About Me<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/index.php\/contact\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Contact<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"370\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-268\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Respect-in-School-1024x683-11-e1786645283142.jpg\" style=\"object-position:79% 37%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"79% 37%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Respect-in-School-1024x683-11-e1786645283142.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Respect-in-School-1024x683-11-e1786645283142-300x108.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Respect-in-School-1024x683-11-e1786645283142-768x278.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#939289\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-ast-global-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RE-ELECT COLLEEN CARSWELL<br>School Trustee<\/strong> <strong>&#8211; October 28th 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\"><strong>TRUSTEE BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"290\" src=\"http:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/carswell1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-274 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I was first elected in 1992 and served for the next 10 years as your full-time School Trustee for Transcona in the now decommissioned Transcona-Springfield School Division No. 12. During that time, I served as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees; in addition, I served on standing committees either as a member or as the Chairman.<br><br>In 2002, River East Transcona School Division was formed, and I have served since that time as your full-time School Trustee for Transcona. I have been Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. I have always served on standing committees, either as a member or as the Chairman. I am the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br><br>A few of the Committees that I have served on over the years:<br>&#8211; Parent Community Education Forum<br>&#8211; River East Transcona Connection Council<br>&#8211; Budget<br>&#8211; Communications<br>&#8211; Finance, Facilities and Transportation<br>&#8211; Negotiations<br>&#8211; Program. Policy Review and Personnel<br>&#8211; Strategic Planning<br>&#8211; Superintendent Search and Evaluation<br>&#8211; Trustee Code of Ethics<br>&#8211; Trustee Professional Development<br>&#8211; Lunch Program (Early and Middle Years)<br>&#8211; River East Transcona Teachers Association Liaison<br>&#8211; School Board Medal Award Interviews<br>&#8211; Teachers\u2019 Personal Professional Development Fund<br><br>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. <br><br>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:<br>&#8211; 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.<br>&#8211; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\"><strong>PERSONAL PROFILE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br><br>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.<br><br>I have been an active volunteer in my children\u2019s 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\u2019 and girls\u2019 volleyball teams in Transcona.<br><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"97\" src=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer-300x97.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-656\" style=\"border-width:2px;aspect-ratio:3.0255278915852504;width:263px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer-300x97.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer-767x247.jpg 767w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer-1024x330.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer-1536x495.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.colleencarswell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Footer.jpg 1789w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links has-large-icon-size is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-6299119b wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\" 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c-0.024-0.038-0.046-0.079-0.065-0.124L12.158,12.786z M3.009,12c0,3.559,2.068,6.634,5.067,8.092L3.788,8.341 C3.289,9.459,3.009,10.696,3.009,12z M18.069,11.546c0-1.112-0.399-1.881-0.741-2.48c-0.456-0.741-0.883-1.368-0.883-2.109 c0-0.826,0.627-1.596,1.51-1.596c0.04,0,0.078,0.005,0.116,0.007C16.472,3.904,14.34,3.009,12,3.009 c-3.141,0-5.904,1.612-7.512,4.052c0.211,0.007,0.41,0.011,0.579,0.011c0.94,0,2.396-0.114,2.396-0.114 C7.947,6.93,8.004,7.642,7.52,7.699c0,0-0.487,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.274,9.739l1.968-5.901l-1.401-3.838 C9.848,7.756,9.389,7.699,9.389,7.699C8.904,7.67,8.961,6.93,9.446,6.958c0,0,1.484,0.114,2.368,0.114 c0.94,0,2.397-0.114,2.397-0.114c0.485-0.028,0.542,0.684,0.057,0.741c0,0-0.488,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.249,9.665l0.897-2.996 C17.841,13.284,18.069,12.316,18.069,11.546z M19.889,7.686c0.039,0.286,0.06,0.593,0.06,0.924c0,0.912-0.171,1.938-0.684,3.22 l-2.746,7.94c2.673-1.558,4.47-4.454,4.47-7.771C20.991,10.436,20.591,8.967,19.889,7.686z M12,22C6.486,22,2,17.514,2,12 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[&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":274,"parent":0,"menu_order":17,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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