We are about to have an election, an election to not only provide input into who will represent us, but an election that will help shape the future.
On October 26th, residents of Mountain View School Division (MVSD) will choose trustees for the next four years. They will be responsible to govern education within our division. Given all that has transpired during this last term and what is facing school divisions in the next four years, it is an important decision.
Certainly, elections always have consequences. Over every four-year term, there are unknown events that occur, which define what the term looks like. While we do not know the future, there are some things we do know about this next term. A new framework for education is unfolding, some curriculum areas will change, a new funding model will be in place soon, a multi-year divisional plan will be developed with community consultation, and budgets will be set with finite revenue, making prioritizing essential.
Being able to choose who represents us at this critical juncture is important. However, the ability to choose is always fundamental to a democratic society. We pick who represents us and make decisions on our behalf.
With that said, we know the person who is elected may or may not be who we voted for. Yet, having the opportunity to choose is essential. The ability to express our voice and opinion by placing an “X” beside their name is what makes democracy work. For choice to happen though, we need people to put their names forward to stand for election.
MVSD trustees are elected from wards based on population. The intention is for each trustee to represent a similar number of electors. This allows for equitable voice and diverse perspectives from across the division and our communities.
There are currently four wards where nine trustees are elected. Two trustees are elected from Ward 1 (Roblin Municipality), two from Ward 2 (Municipality of Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains Municipality, Grandview Municipality, and a portion of RM of Mountain), two from Ward 3 (RM of Dauphin, RM of Lakeshore, Mossey River Municipality and a portion of the RM of Mountain and McCreary Municipalities), and three from Ward 4 (City of Dauphin).
This fall’s election provides us the opportunity to make our voices heard. Whether by running as a candidate, turning out to vote, or by engaging in and with the issues and challenges facing public education, we need your voice. Your input matters and indeed does help shape the future of public education in our communities and province.
If you are interested in putting your name forward as a candidate, you can talk to any current or former trustee about the role, specifically in MVSD. There is information and a resource page on the MVSD website under the Board of Trustees tab and Trustee Elections 2022 link at https://www.mvsd.ca/elections2022/. This page contains links to governing documents, ward boundaries, and the trustee handbook, explaining expectations, information on board meetings, etc.
For more general information, the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) has excellent resources on its website at http://www.mbschoolboards.ca/elections2022.php. This provides more general information for those seeking to become a trustee. MSBA will be providing information sessions for candidates as well, where you can raise any questions you might have.
Interested candidates can pick up a candidate package at the MVSD Administration Office and nominations will be received on the following days: Sep. 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th, and 20th.
Elections are about choices. We look forward to choosing who will represent us as we collectively support families, students, and their learning.