During the general municipal election, voters will have a chance to cast their ballot for seven school board trustee positions for the Flin Flon School Division (FFSD). Eight candidates have put their names forward for elections.
Advance polls will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 8 am to 8 pm at Flin Flon City Hall. The general election will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 8 am to 8 pm. Generally, residents who live below Ross Lake will vote at Northminster United Memorial Church. Residents who live above Ross Lake will vote at Flin Flon Community Hall.
To be eligible to vote, residents must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Flin Flon for at least six months. Voters must bring photo ID to the polling station.
Leslie Power
I was born and raised in Flin Flon, and attended the French Immersion program. My children currently attend Ecole McIsaac School. After graduating from Hapnot, I furthered my education by receiving a degree in Native Studies. My goal was to return to Flin Flon to work as a support in the social and educational fields. My experience includes working for and then sitting on the board of directors with the Flin Flon Friendship Centre for the past seven years, four years as an advisor for the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate with Manitoba Education, and employed as a family support worker with the FFSD for more than 8 years. Over the next term, I would like to see the board continue to support policy and the needs of the FFSD. Also, support students, families, staff and community in fulfilling the divisional strategic plan, which includes academic success, student engagement, and mental wellness. I have a vested interest in education, language, cultural diversity, equality and community.
Jill Akkerman
Hi my name is Jill Akkerman and I am running for school board trustee. I’m a born and bred Flin Flonner who went through this school division myself. I have previously worked within a school system as an educational assistant for six years. Currently, I am a social worker with the Province of Manitoba. Following a brief time spent away pursuing post-secondary education and job opportunities, I gravitated back to Flin Flon. My roots are here and I continue to try and give back to my community. I feel my life experience would make me a good candidate for the board.
Over the term, I hope that the board can increase communication with staff, students and the community. It is imperative to ensure curriculum, student success, support, and enrichment needs are met while balancing fiscal responsibilities.
Leslie Fernandes
Hi, my name is Leslie Fernandes and I am seeking re-election. Being raised here in Flin Flon and going through our school system myself, I have a strong connection to the division and am proud that my two children are getting an excellent education.
Over the past four years, I have learned a tremendous amount about how school boards work and the importance of local autonomy. Decisions aren't always easy but whether it is a question of budget, policy, programming or support services, the impact on students is the first question I ask.
I value the leadership skills I have learned from our strong administration team and the commitment I see in our teaching staff. Over this past term, we developed a vision for our board with our strategic plan. Mental wellness for staff and students and indigenous education and engagement are important themes that I hope to focus on.
Tim Davis
My name is Tim Davis. I am seeking re-election as a FFSD trustee. I have been a trustee for the last 16 years. Myself and my six children have gone through the FFSD and now some of my eight grandchildren are presently attending school here. I feel my experiences as a parent and my years on the board allow me to be able to see both sides of issues as we as a board strive to do what is best for all involved. Also, as an industrial mechanic with training in both financial and workplace, health and safety I can offer that knowledge to the board as well. During the term, I would like to see the board continue to find ways to meet the needs of the students, staff and parents while making the best possible use of our taxpayers’ money. Thanks for the opportunity and your consideration.
Murray Skeavington
My name is Murray Skeavington and I am running for school trustee. I have been married to my wife, Joann, for 34 years, and have had two boys go through our system.
The reason that I am running is that I believe all students should have the ability to receive a quality education. With the government looking at education, amalgamation looks more likely than ever before. If this happens, it will affect the ability to control how we apply education in Flin Flon and the surrounding area.
If I am elected, I will ask that in the first year we hold an open vote on reducing the number of trustees to five from the seven we have now. This reduction would help us meet the requirements of government administration cap. I would like to wish all candidates good luck and ask the people of Flin Flon for their support.
Ebony Trubiak
I grew up in Flin Flon and have spent most of my life here. After leaving briefly to study, I returned home to begin my career and be near my family. For the past 17 years I have worked in various counselling roles in the addictions and mental health field. My most important job has always been "mom" to my 11 year old son, Jordan.
I am running for the position of trustee because I want to be more involved and engaged in matters affecting our kids. I have deep respect for educators, administrators, and anyone who devotes their day to working with children. If elected, I am committed to assisting the board in achieving its vision and serving as a voice for parents. I believe my experience fits well with the FFSD's strategic plan, particularly in regard to creating a safe and inclusive environment that supports the mental wellbeing of staff and students. Thank you in advance for your support!
Amy Sapergia Green
Four years ago, I became a trustee with the Flin Flon School Division and was elected by acclamation, and this past year I was elected to the role of chairperson. I believe that every child has the right to a wonderful education in a safe and caring space and I am proud to be able to support that in my role of trustee for the last four years.
As a born and raised Flin Flonner and mother to four children currently enrolled in our division, I know how important our school system is to our children and to our community. I’m excited to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to participating in the election this year. I feel that public schools benefit from the election process because participation strengthens the foundation of the board and is the cornerstone of our education system. I encourage everyone to come out and vote.
Angela Simpson
I’m Angela Simpson, a long time resident of Flin Flon. I’m employed by Manitoba Hydro Utilities, and I’m one of five incumbents. Education is the backbone of our youth, and I’ve been a lifelong advocate for the educational system. The issues that require support are still the basics: keeping the students engaged, encouraging, especially at the higher levels because of our ever expanding knowledge. We have to teach students to learn how to learn. Mental health and wellbeing within our organization needs our attention, especially to make schools a happy place for kids to be. The job market is competitive, students have to be highly specialized, and sometimes they don’t understand that focus during high school. Our arts program and our band program and extracurricular sports programs are essential.
