Bidding farewell to a long-serving trustee

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This article was published 12/10/2022 (240 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Claudia Sarbit is the longest serving member of the Seven Oaks School Division’s board of trustees. After many years of stellar service in the public school system, Claudia is retiring at the end of October.

Being a certified ‘parliamentarian’ — skilled in conducting board and committee meetings — she will be remembered for her vast knowledge and guidance to trustees throughout the years. Ed Ploszay, past chair of the SOSD board, said “Claudia has been the voice of reason on the board.”

Claudia believes that all students should be able to achieve their full potential. In this regard, she has advocated and supported many award-winning programs, such as the Met School internships, Wayfinders — a free after-school tutoring program — the Sistema kids orchestra music program, additional music programs, sports and the arts. She has also advocated and supported co-operative vocation education opportunities, breakfast and summer programs and the establishment of the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre (SOPAC).

During her tenure, Claudia received the Governor General’s 125th Commemorative Medal for her vast community service, some of which includes serving as chair of the Heart and Stroke Winnipeg Residential Fundraising Campaign; being a founding board member of the Kildonan Youth Activity Centre and being a founding member and president of the Seven Oaks Education Foundation.

Claudia has a run successful real estate business for the past 16 years. She was selected by the Winnipeg Real Estate Board several times to travel to Ottawa to lobby Members of Parliament for changes to federal legislation that would benefit both buyers and sellers.

Here’s a quote from a client: “Claudia took care of every aspect of the home buying procedure and answered all questions I had. The whole process was stress-free. Claudia took care of everything.”

Since Claudia was first elected, the Seven School Division population has doubled and the district is one of the fastest-growing communities in Winnipeg.

Reflecting on her reasons for retiring, Claudia said “I gave it a lot of thought and decided that this was the best decision for me at this time. I have been very proud to have served as a trustee. We are a school division that does much more with less and delivers one of the best opportunities for individual growth and success. Seven Oaks Schools Division is very progressive and is recognized for excellence even beyond Manitoba borders.”