Seven Oaks School Division, Ward 2 candidates

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/10/2014 (3149 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The candidates running for school trustee in the Seven Oaks School Division’s Ward 2 are incumbents Derek Dabee and Cory Juan as well as newcomers Diane Cameron, Chris Clacio, Michele Kading, Greg McFarlane, Dennis Ruggles, Maria Santos and Nirmal Sihdu. Four candidates will be elected.

Name: Nirmal Sidhu

Age: 60

Occupation: Head caretaker at Tec Voc High School and vice-president of Cupe Local 110

Why are you running?

 “I am running for school trustee because of my political background and knowledge of school divisions. I am a longtime member of the NDP executive as a member at large.”

—

Name: Diane Cameron

Age: 64

Occupation: Former teacher in Seven Oaks

Why are you running?

“As a teacher I experienced how divisional policies in areas such as building/playground design, transportation, staffing, as well as curriculum implementation impacted students. My priority is to help make Seven Oaks students the best they can be and I would use my experience to create and continue positive supports for the students of Seven Oaks.”

—

Name: Chris Clacio

Age: 22

Occupation: Courtesy clerk/price checker at Real Canadian Superstore

Why are you running?

“I don’t see enough presence of youth in the political process and public office. The position of school trustee is a great starting position to develop real life experience to expand a career in politics.”

—

Name: Derek Dabee

Age: 62

Occupation: Current trustee in Seven Oaks

Why are you running?

“Four years ago I was honoured to be elected as a trustee. Some of the reasons I ran included building more schools, providing more daycare spaces, lowering our taxes and increasing our graduation rates. We have achieved most of these objectives and I would like to continue working on these items and more.”

—

Name: Cory Juan

Occupation: Former teacher and current trustee in Seven Oaks

Why are you running?

“This is my sixth year as a trustee in Seven Oaks and I feel I contributed so much to the decision making of the school board to make things happen. We as trustees work hard to collaborate and cooperate to govern the School Division collegially with honesty, trust and respect.”

—

Name: Michele Kading

Occupation:  Executive director of Save our Seine and volunteer at Immigrant Centre Manitoba Inc. as an ESL teacher

Why are you running?

“I would like to use my experience as an educator, my vision as a community leader, and my analytical skills as an evaluator to strengthen all aspects of school divison policy and program delivery. I would like to create exciting learning opportunities for students, their families, teachers, support staff, administrators and the broader community.”

—

Name: Greg McFarlane

Age: 35

Occupation: Electrician and vice-president of the Winnipeg Labour Council and vice-president of young members at the Manitoba Federation of Labour

Why are you running?

“I have worked with a variety of youth agencies and organizations during my time as a labour leader. I believe that the training, skills and passion that I bring forth will make a genuine impact on our future.”

—

Name: Dennis Ruggles

Age: 68

Occupation: Former president and business agent, Amalgamated Transit Union. Former Seven Oaks School Division trustee (2006 to 2010)

Why are you running?

“I am invested in this community, having lived here for over 35 years. I have three children and eight grandchildren. I have proudly served as a school trustee in the past and am asking for your support to do it again. I believe schools are exactly where community begins and I am committed to making our division even better.”

—

Name: Maria Santos

Occupation: Teacher in Winnipeg School Division

Why are you running?

“School trustees must be ambassadors of quality education and tax dollars. Every child, regardless of culture, religion or ability deserves an education in a positive learning environment that is safe, caring, respectful and consistent. Our children are our future, let’s provide them the best.”

—