Walking, listening, learning

Good weather during an election campaign is a gift—it makes getting out into the community so much easier!  But as the saying goes, neither rain, snow, sleet, nor hail will stop candidates from delivering their mailer….or something like that. 

Face-to-face conversations are vital.  They allow me to check in, suss out community concerns, and offer accurate facts. More than that, they are a chance to hear unfiltered feedback: what’s working, what isn't, and what we should start, stop, or change.

It’s necessary and critical for those seeking election, or re-election, to learn what is falling through the cracks of their school board's governance and oversight responsibilities. 

Whether gathered during a campaign or during a four-year mandate, this feedback comes to the board table with me. When we are debating policies, allocating resources, or setting priorities, I want every decision to be directly anchored in the lived experiences of our families and residents. That includes using what I hear and learn to advance the goals of our strategic plan, making sure our big-picture goals align with what our community needs.

That accountability is what local governance is all about, and these conversations ensure we stay focused on the issues that truly matter.

On another topic, all of this walking means I’ll be getting new runners soon.  This pair has gone above and beyond.  They aren't leather, but I like the metaphor:

"When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (From his 1851 journals, perfectly capturing how the physical toll of grueling, long-term effort transforms into personal resilience).

As a school trustee I want to see policies and practices in place, and conversations happening, that center Indigenous histories, perspectives, stories, and ways of knowing. My own reconciliation journey is ongoing—one of continuous learning, listening, and striving to do better every single day.

LRSD orange shirt designed by Joshua Hunt.

 

    I stand in unwavering solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, fully committed to advocating for their rights, dignity, safety, and authentic self-expression every single day.

Full marks for attendance

In this brief post, I want to offer some solid and evidence-based reassurance around my physical presence at meetings, and at school, divisional, and community events.  My attendance record is something I’m genuinely proud of.

• Perfect Attendance (Almost): Since I was first elected in 2010, I have attended every single regular meeting of the board. Well, almost. I did attend one remotely where the Wi-Fi was spotty at best, allowing for listening but limited engagement; the official record indicates "regrets" with that caveat.

• School and Division events: I’ve juggled my calendar regularly and consistently to be able to attend as many school and divisional events as possible.  After being re-elected to the school board in 2022, I made it a goal to visit every single school in our division at least once, whether for a parent council meeting, event or board visit during this current 4-year mandate. 

 When I talk about "being present" as your trustee, it means showing up in person, staying fully engaged, actively listening, and doing the work before walking through the door. Looking ahead to the next four years, I remain committed to providing the reliable, visible, and dedicated leadership our students, staff, and community need and deserve.

"You can't represent the people if you're not in the room, and you can't make good decisions if you haven't done your homework." — Shirley Chisholm, Trailblazing Educator & U.S. Congresswoman

Well-being and being well in the garden that is LRSD

I can tell you that when I was a senior years student, being and staying well—especially mentally—was not a prioritized topic of conversation. Thank goodness things have changed.

When I talk about student and staff well-being, I’m talking about the essential foundation for success in our schools. I believe that supporting employee wellness directly nurtures student wellness, and when our people are well, our schools thrive. That’s why advocating for classroom supports that ease daily stress—keeping the focus squarely where it belongs, on student success—remains a top priority for me.

My commitment is to encourage the conversations and decisions that ensure every student and staff member is equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed; that everyone in our school division has what they need to:

• Be well: Fostering healthy, inclusive environments where students and staff have the energy, resources, and everyday support to learn, teach, and excel.

• Stay well: Providing ongoing tools, practical resources, and supportive environments to maintain balance and keep momentum through everyday challenges.

• Know what to do and who to reach out to when they aren't: Creating a clear, welcoming environment so that anyone needing extra support knows exactly where to turn without hesitation.

When we prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff, we create the conditions where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.

Dutch author Alexander den Heijer said: "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."   This is what I want for our schools: an environment where everyone flourishes. I bring the right tools to the job—advocating, pressing for accountability, and doing the hands-on work—so every student and staff member in our LRSD garden has what they need to bloom. 

Make good choices. Or, ensuring every student finds their band room.

Make good choices. Three words that I’ve ended many a conversation with, used in saying goodbye, and in ending greetings from the board or at a graduation. Make the choices that put a smile on your face and fill your heart, in addition to the ones that keep you safe and healthy.  

For students in middle and high school, this kind of future-oriented encouragement takes on a whole new weight. They are figuring out who they are, and to make good choices, you first have to have choices. I know that for many kids, the opportunities available inside a school building are the literal lifeline that keeps them engaged and gets them to crossing that stage to receive a diploma.

I would have been a profoundly disengaged student if not for the band room— where I truly felt I belonged, even though I wasn’t the strongest player by far. I didn't actually like high school much on most days, but there were people there who made me feel I had a place, who were kind to me, and who genuinely wanted me to succeed. It wasn't just the academics; it was the people and the extra things outside the classroom that kept me anchored.

That personal experience is why I care so deeply about the scope of our public education system today.

Schools work overtime to be what every unique student needs. We know that academic rigor matters, but we also know that support has to show up in multiple ways. Today’s deliberate programming—a specialized initiative like Propel for example —exists for the kids who might get far less out of their school years than they need or deserve. Even at the school level, opportunities aren't one-size-fits-all; they are shaped by the students themselves, reflecting the distinct personality, needs, and desires of that specific school community.  

When we invest in these programs, we aren't funding hobbies; we are funding belonging. We are giving students a reason to show up, a place to find their people, and the confidence to make the kind of choices that change the trajectory of their lives. That’s the work I want to keep doing as your trustee: ensuring every student finds their band room.

You belong somewhere you feel free. Tom Petty

Learning as a leader.

 

The work of a school board isn't about managing daily operations—that critical work belongs to the superintendent and their team. Instead, effective governance focuses on oversight, setting a visionary direction through a strategic plan, and holding the system accountable while empowering professional leadership to execute its mandate.

Trustees that govern for success recognize that effective oversight requires continuous growth; remaining up to date on educational trends along with a commitment to ongoing learning. By actively participating in professional development and growing in the role, trustees build the capacity needed to ask the right strategic questions and champion the division's vision.

This commitment to continuous learning and provincial collaboration naturally extends beyond our local board table. The insights gained through my active involvement with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) executive have been invaluable in sharpening this governance lens, allowing me to bring broader perspectives, advocacy, and shared best practices back to the school board.  Since I first joined the provincial executive in 2015, I have held the roles of Director, Vice-president, President, and now serve as past-President. 

When you look at what is required to keep LRSD moving forward, experience, provincial leadership, and a steadfast commitment to governance over management matter. Re-electing me means returning a trustee who doesn't just understand the distinct line between governance and operations, but one who advocates effectively at the provincial table and brings those high-level insights back home. It means keeping a proven, informed voice at the table—someone equipped with the depth of knowledge, leadership history, and collaborative networks necessary to ensure everyone who is part of the LRSD community flourishes.

Show us the money. Or, Election 2026 blog post #4.

 

First, let’s be unequivocal: Manitoba’s model—allowing school boards to raise revenue locally through education property taxes—is a vital asset. A game-changer. It grants local autonomy, and I am genuinely grateful for a system that remains the envy of jurisdictions across Canada.

However, local taxation cannot, and should not, bear the burden for what would be a fundamentally different and short-changed education experience for students if we only had current government funding to rely on.

Years of education funding austerity paired with skyrocketing labour and material costs forces hard choices on school boards every budget cycle.  Delaying critical maintenance saves money today but dramatically increases costs down the road. Replacements, repairs, upgrades, and additions cannot wait forever—and every year of delay means the cost goes up.

Additionally, in Louis Riel School Division rapid growth demands urgent action. Our publicly available facility plan outlines critical space requirements through 2034, detailing mandatory additions, accessibility upgrades, modernizations, and new builds.

These are not discretionary wants; they are operational needs.

Infrastructure is only part of the equation. Meeting daily operational demands—fair staff compensation, transportation safety, and direct classroom support—requires sustained funding. Supporting student success remains our core mission, but delivering on that promise requires adequate provincial investment.

Year-over-year operational pressures demand year-over-year provincial commitment at an adequate level to address these needs—and that is precisely why this issue must be kept at the top of the agenda with our partners in government.  Conversations, planning, forecasting; it’s work I remain committed to doing. 

Showing up.

Leadership begins with showing up. It is easy to accept a title or make a promise; the real work happens in fulfilling that commitment day after day.

Holding elected office means showing up when times are tough, not just when there is something to celebrate. It means giving people your undivided attention—remaining visible, dependable, accessible, deeply engaged, and prioritizing active listening above all else. That commitment extends to every single member of our community. Even when opinions differ sharply or conversations become challenging, a school trustee must seek and provide clarity with respect, ensuring everyone feels heard while keeping the focus on student success.

Strong governance happens long before a board vote is cast. It takes rigorous preparation behind the scenes: reviewing materials, analyzing data, and doing the heavy lifting necessary to make informed decisions. It requires true accountability—facing difficult conversations directly, taking responsibility, and standing firmly behind choices.  
Showing up means staying informed. It means you approach effectiveness in the role of trustee as a steady job rather than a random event. Continuous learning, and personal and professional development make for highly effective school boards.  
 
For me, staying grounded is inseparable from showing up. It means remaining true to myself while bringing the authentic voice of our community to the board table—bringing honesty, composure, and integrity to every room I enter and every conversation I have.
Showing up, in the context of being a school trustee, isn't easy—it requires a thick skin, resilience, and a firm commitment to the community. I respect people who take on a role and follow through when the going gets tough, and I strive to be one of those people every single day.

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. — Publilius Syrus

Not about the family reunion, but about youth voice.

 

This post isn’t about the family reunion.

It’s not about the marathon of laughing, games, trivia, honoring those no longer with us, and endless eating (we are Ukrainian, after all!).

No, this post is about the 18 hours of road-tripping—there and back—with a self-assured, highly motivated, slightly sassy 18-year-old whom I’ve had the absolute privilege of watching grow up.

Over nearly 1,000 minutes in an enclosed vehicle, we covered serious ground, both on the highway and in conversation: music, current events, social media, family lore, and big life opinions. We both have firm convictions. Some align, some don't, so the light debate was frequent and the perspectives offered were plenty.

At one point we landed on the October city council and school board election, her first opportunity to vote.  We talked about the role of city council, the work of school boards, how wards are defined, and the value of councilors and trustees in planning, future-proofing, and bringing community voices to decision-making. I talked about the vital importance of the youth vote and shared a piece of my message to the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026:

"Marking a ballot is a privilege that not everyone your age has in this world, and it is a way to send a message and compel change—to have a say in the direction your community, city, province, and country are going.

In the 2023 provincial election, only 8% of those age 18–29 eligible to vote voted, while 38% of those over age 65 eligible to vote did so. Your demographic consistently has the lowest voter turnout, and yet elections have been won and lost by the number of votes equal to the number of you graduating today. 

Politics is not complicated. Yes, it takes some work to learn about parties, candidates, and their platforms, and you need to know what you want for the future based on what you believe and value. But think of the message sent and what might change if that 8% became 38% or more. The class of 2026 has power and influence, and collectively, you can sway outcomes and affect change if you show up at the polls."

I stopped there with an offer for further conversation—before her eyes could completely roll into the back of her head (of course I could have gone on and on... have you met me?!). I reiterated how deeply valuable my engagement with young people has been in my work as a school trustee. They continue to be some of my greatest teachers.

"We all have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it, because they do. The only way to be certain of the future is to make it ourselves."

— Billie Eilish

A bit about me

Although I was born in Saskatoon, Winnipeg has been home for most of my life.  My K–12 education was in what is now the Pembina Trails School Division, graduating from Fort Richmond Collegiate, and my kids went on to graduate from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in LRSD. We've lived in River Park South for over 30 years.

It was during my kids' time at École St. Germain that I met some kindred spirits on the Parent Advisory Council. Whether they like it or not, 'the ÉSG PAC' at that time sparked my interest in running for the school board—along with a few folks who regularly pointed to 'the board' as being behind certain procedures and processes I was trying to understand. 

I graduated from UManitoba and have worked on campus for over 35 years.  In May of 2019, up until it ceased to publish this month,  I wrote a regular column in the Community Review East as a community correspondent for River Park South.  I am also a member of the Dakota Community Centre Board of Directors.

Over my time on the Louis Riel School Division Board, I've had the privilege of serving as Board Chair for 4 separate terms, chairing all board committees at various points (including the Riel-Evate Endowment Fund Committee), and serving on the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) Executive since 2015, where I currently hold the role of Past President.  I represent MSBA as a board member of the Canadian School Boards Association. 

Exercise takes the form of walking and biking.  Last movie watched was The Odyssey (it was excellent!), and Netflix is a very good friend.  I read to learn and be entertained; currently  it's  Wînipêk, the fully updatedWealthy Barber, and My Friends (Fredrik Backman). I've never met a bag of chips I didn't like (plain Lay's always hits the spot), red over white, pizza and pasta, a hot caramel sundae any time of year, I'll never say no to an invite to head to The Forks, and I have too many plants.  

"We keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious—and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney

It's been four years already?!

If you look at the date of my last post, you’ll see it was written just over two months after the 2022 school board election. Pausing the blog back then was a deliberate move. Post-election, my readership took a nosedive, so I migrated to Twitter and Facebook to meet people where they were. I used Instagram sparingly. 

Fast forward to today. Twitter rebranded to X, and let’s just say it successfully pivoted to attracting the absolute opposite of healthy, constructive dialogue about public education. It became less of a town hall and more of a digital shouting match. So, bye-bye X; my peace of mind thanks me. Facebook isn't always a whole lot better these days, either. But telling my school trustee journey in pictures? That actually appealed to me. So, I’ve officially leaned into Instagram .

Then, just this week, a second thing happened. We got the news that local flyer delivery is wrapping up at the end of this month—which also marks the sad demise of the Community Review East. For several years, I’ve loved writing a monthly-ish column as the community correspondent for River Park South. It was the perfect excuse to wander around RPS, meet people, and tell local stories. Plus, as school trustees, it gave us a dedicated space to highlight what was happening through regular ward reports.

With the Review printing its final run, that local outlet vanishes. It took me about one minute to realize how much I was going to miss the writing— sharing, celebrating, and offering a few thoughts—all in the name of building and connecting our community.

So, exactly 1,293 days later... I’m baaaaacccckkkk! (Did you miss me? Did you even know I was gone?)

For now, this is a re-election blog. We’ll see where the dust settles after October 28. It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since my last post, but this blog actually started all the way back in early 2010 when I was preparing for my very first run. Sixteen years of local school board stories... honestly, there’s a book in here somewhere. But for now, let's start with a blog post.

  

Happy New Year!

In some ways it seems like school board elections were last week, when in reality almost 10 weeks have gone by.  The random and spur-of-the-moment conversations that walking in community during a campaign brings have been layered on to while at school and community events- always a welcome opportunity to hear what is on the mind of the folks we serve.  

I continue to appreciate the students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators in Louis Riel School Division who make time to chat, offer valued insight and perspective, and ask good and important questions about our governance work.  I value our conversations- even (and maybe especially) the tough ones. 

The new year will see us continue to grapple with the effects of a global pandemic even while we look ahead to the many opportunities that are before us.  The bright future we want for everyone in our community will be articulated in a new multi-year strategic plan, our budget conversations, and the vision we have for everyone to excel as caring, confident, capable, and resilient life-long learners who contribute to a democratic and sustainable work. 

Be well. Please make time for the people and experiences that fill your heart and bring joy to your life. 

I wish you and yours a healthy, happy and prosperous 2023.  Happy New Year!
 

 “The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi

'Twas the night before the election, and time to say thanks.

 

• to everyone who assisted by walking (and walking) up driveways and stairs, in wind, rain, cold and heat to ensure information about who I am and what I'm about made it into mailboxes. 
• to the folks who provided feedback on my flyer, and to Albert and Carol at Dycom for their patience and expertise.
• to everyone who asked for a sign. 
• to Bev for a very long walk on a beautiful Sunday morning!! and for moral support and encouragement when needed the most- and not just during elections.
• to Nikolas for encouragement and support (from across town this time), and for all of the conversations we've had and continue to have about local politics and the future of Winnipeg.
• to Pam and the 'minis' for their smiles as we walked the far corner of the ward (especially so early in the day!!) and to Paige for doing it with a skip in her step and a broad repetoire of songs. 
• to Bailey for the conversations that have provided valued insight and perspective, always infused with good humour and laughter. 
• to Linn for the photos; I'm not photogenic but she made me look half-way decent!
• to those of you I've been texting and messaging like mad as election day got closer-  you know who you are and I appreciate your common sense, logic, calm influence and really good and positive vibes!

And thank you to Eve, who hands down walked the most number of steps only after the number I took.  By our last flyer drop, this kid could deliver a street effortlessly and like a pro, spot a 'no flyers' sign on a mail box from the street, navigate a mapped route, and put stakes on a sign with ease. We covered a lot of ground, in steps and in conversation, and it was fun to get to know the youngest member of the 'team' a bit better.

One. More. Sleep. 

Informing your school trustee vote

This is the week when, collectively, voters in school division wards across Manitoba will elect their representation to school boards to serve a four year mandate.  

When we are handed a ballot we will be invited to 'vote for one trustee', OR 'vote for up to two/three/four trustees' depending on how many are elected where we reside.   

Doing some research is important, and mindful that many have voted at advance polls, here is how to inform your vote for school trustee:

• visit the City of Winnipeg election 2022 website to read what candidates have shared in response to an invitation to do so*

• visit Winnipeg Election 2022 for another source of information, again provided by candidates in response to an invitation to do so*

• call candidates or send them an e-mail and ask the questions that are on your mind

• if they are on social media, visit their platforms

• if you live in LRSD, all candidates were invited to a forum, which can be viewed at LRSD.TV 

• many teachers associations sent out candidate questionnaires which were posted on websites and social media platforms.

Visit the Manitoba School Boards election site for more information. 

Three more sleeps until election day!!

*includes mayoral and city councillor candidate responses as well.

Brought to you by the letters LRTA and ATC

Props to the Louis Riel Teachers Association for organizing the first ever (as far as I know) LRSD trustee candidate forum this evening, and to all those that attended in person and remotely.  Students in the ATC Broadcast Media program were set up to live-stream the event, and students in the ATC Cake and Pastry program provided post-forum treats. 

That's it, that's the post; might be my shortest one ever!

9 days until the election. 

Chance of showers, with a trustee forum a certainty.

 

It was bound to happen eventually.  After successive warm and sunny days over the long weekend, we are likely to see rain tomorrow.  It's been a great run so far weather wise for campaign 2022!

My day started and ended in the company of some LRSD folks- talking, sharing, listening and learning, with lots of laughter as well.  These are some of my greatest teachers and they have patience for my questions, always broadening my perspective and understanding with their answers and insight. 

Inbetween, I was walking Ward 3.  There were prolonged conversations along the way that allowed me further insight into what is on the minds of voters as it pertains to public education, but that naturally segued into municipal and provincial politics. 

 

The Louis Riel Teachers Association is hosting a candidate forum on October 17, which I will be participating in. 

They are working to live-stream as well, so connect with them on Twitter for updates. 

14 days until the election.

Gleanings from the campaign trail

In running my 4th campaign there are things that I continue to be grateful for; shared sidewalks and driveways are two of them.  Short driveways are another.  Only one or two steps up to the mailbox also makes the list.  

If I had a nickel for everyone person who has asked if I'm part of the Nemeth Diamonds Nemeth's I'd be sitting pretty. Well, not rich but defiantly able to buy myself a grande pumpkin spice latte. I'm sure we're connected on some distant branch of the family tree.  Clearly they have lots of happy customers out this way. 

Last Sunday was a +20,000 step day.  The weather was beautiful and I was motivated but I sure paid for it on Monday; my back, hips, quads and feet were screaming from pounding the pavement. Did I learn from overdoing it? Yup; the steps have decreased each day but I suspect they will creep up over the weekend with some nicer weather on the way and the pain in my joints almost gone. Plus I still have a few thousand houses to get to. 

Canvassing at seniors and retirement residences is great fun. I hope when I'm 80 or 90 I'm as feisty as some of the folks I've met are.  Today I was thanked for being a school trustee, and then peppered with excellent questions by the grandma of an LRSD alumnus. 

And the Halloween decorations!!  I've seen some yards that look like they were set up by professionals. 

I've spent some time looking at other campaigns by school trustee candidates all over town; it's important to learn about the folks that aspire to elected governance.  Lots of good info here: https://www.winnipeg.ca/clerks/election/election-2022/Candidates/ and here: https://www.winnipegelection.ca/

Have a really nice Thanksgiving weekend!

19 days until the election. 

Why are you running for re-election to the board?

What a beautiful day for getting some information out to residents of Ward 3.  The campaign 'team' has expanded with Mom and Sis pitching in; win-win as I get the help and they get some fresh air and exercise.

Folks are asking why I'm running again (or as one person framed it "why on earth would you want that job these days?").

First, I want to do what I can to protect the investments that our board has made over the last number of years and will continue to make in the name of student engagement and success.  Expenditures in support of full-day kindergarten, our DEI and Anti- Racism Initiative, the work of our Indigenous Education Team, and in mental health and wellness for students, staff and families (among many others) are having a positive impact.  We know this because the data we collect allows us to track our progress. 

Second is wanting to do my part to ensure LRSD  receives the funding that ensures these investments are supported long term, even as we identify more areas requiring support.  The new funding model must ensure adequate funding within a model that is sustainable and predictable.  Anything less has the potential to see needed programs and supports jeopardized.   

While navigating Bill 64 was stressful (to say the least) the engagement and information that was shared was key to its demise.  I want to continue the work of providing information; to our community and to government about the successes we celebrate, the challenges we are navigating, and how we all have a role to play.  Advocacy, engagement and communication is crucial.

That's not a complete list of reasons, but I'll wrap up on a purely personal level- I love the work.  It is important, rewarding, extremely fulfilling, and I have lots of fun.  I have met people who have challenged and broadening my thinking. I've been part of conversations that have offered necessary perspective.  I've learned things that I needed to learn. I don't take the role or responsibility lightly, and I take every opportunity afforded me to learn and grow to ensure I am the best trustee I can be in service to my community. 

23 days until election day.

31 days until the election; October 26

To recap, I started this blog early in 2010 in the lead-up to the fall election and my arrival on the Louis Riel School Board.  It shows the most recent 24 months of posts and my journey as a trustee.

Here's a bit of who I am:

• past Chair and current vice-Chair of the Louis Riel School Board
• Chair of the Louis Riel Endowment Fund Committee (Riel-Evate)
• past vice-President and current Region 5 Director on the Manitoba School Boards Association Executive
• member of the Provincial Education Funding Model Review Committee
• member of the board of directors of Dakota Community Centre
• column contributor to the Community Review East
• employee of the University of Manitoba

I've lived in River Park South for 30ish years. I'd say the path to the school board started in the library at Ecole St. Germain where we met as a parent council waaaaaaaaay back when.

This is what I believe about being a trustee: school trustees must understand elected governance, remain visible and engaged in their community, stay informed on current and emerging issues, and demonstrate commitment to the work and effectiveness in the role. It's been my mantra, approach and promise to the LRSD community since day one.

The LRSD community is flourishing because of investments that must be protected, including:

- full day kindergarten, mental health wellness for students and staff, and our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Initiative

- the use of data to inform conversations, decisions, directions and the monitoring of progress

- concerted efforts to reduce the achievement gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

-endeavors with a goal of mitigating the impact of poverty on student engagement and success. 

What does that 'protection' look like? Advocacy efforts directed at government for funding that is adequate and sustainable, transparency and accountability in decision making on the part of your school board, and finding and making opportunities for engagement with students, families, staff and public.

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and reach me by e-mail at snemeth8@mymts.net or by phone at (204) 230-6475. 

If what you've read resonates with you and you'd like to support me by hosting a lawn sign, let me know.