Candidate for Public School Trustee

Bev Manning

Information:

After serving nine years as a trustee with Red Deer Public, I am again seeking re-election. It has been an honour to serve my community, and I still feel that there is much work left to be done in the area of public education in our province.

My husband, John, and I have lived and worked in Red Deer for the past 28 years. During this time we have raised three daughters and been involved in many community activities. It has been our pleasure to personally experience both being able to give to our community, as well as receive, graciously, the kindness and support Red Deer has to offer. It is through both the giving and receiving of generosity that we truly come to understand the meaning of "community."

During my professional career I have worked mostly as a graphic designer in the printing industry. I became passionate about public education when our oldest daughter entered kindergarten in 1986. I enjoyed my volunteer work both in the classroom, as well as on school council, and later at a district level, assisting with a curriculum review of the health program. This encouraged me to run for trusteeship in 1995.

Over the past three terms I have been fortunate enough to serve on a board which encourages both professional growth and learning. I have been involved with almost every committee of the board, along with chairing our CUPE negotiating committee, and sitting, in the past on our ATA negotiating committee. I have learned much more than I would have ever thought possible.   Proof positive to me that learning is a lifelong process - for everyone.

I believe that a strong public education system is the backbone of our society. I am committed to continuing our lobby on provincial government for adequate funding (without envelopes). One of our greatest challenges in public education is to have the ability to meet the needs of such a wide variety of students. It is a mammoth task, and in order to be successful we must use creative thinking, have adequate funding, and work very hard. I believe it's do-able.

The next three years will again hold many challenges and surprises. Should I be re-elected, my priorities would be to continue building a strong education system locally. Our alternative programs must continue to be supported, and expanded in order to provide the needs for that wide variety of students I spoke of earlier. Our accommodation needs must be closely monitored to ensure that our district runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible in every aspect. Maintaining a close eye on our financial management is very important - whether money is plentiful or scant - we must be good stewards of the public's tax dollars. Throughout all these things, we must continually and relentlessly ask ourselves the question, "is this what is best for students?"  Every decision should be based on that criteria.

The past nine years have held many wonderful memories for me as a trustee. I would be honoured to continue that role.

Red Deer Public Library manages Election Forum.  We will provide a page for each candidate, but all the information is provided by the candidates themselves.  Red Deer Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, nor does it endorse any candidate.

For information on Election Forum, please send an email to electionforum@rdpl.org.

Election Forum | Information for Candidates | City Election section