Hildebrandt seeks reelection

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/08/2014 (3523 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hanover school division trustee Bonnie Hildebrandt will try something a little different this election. She seeking a seat as a trustee in the Steinbach ward, after representing Kleefeld and New Bothwell in her first term.

Hildebrandt recently moved to Steinbach.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the last four years, even though they have been most challenging at times. Four years ago, I was the new trustee, and thought I had a decent idea on what the job would entail. I had attended a couple of public board meetings, met with a former trustee to ask what I felt were the relevant questions – I had done my homework,” Hildebrandt said in a release.

She adds that she quickly realized she had a lot to learn, only becoming “a productive and knowledgeable voice around the table” in the third year of her term.

She says the highlight of the last four years has been the building of two new schools, in particular serving as a member of the SRSS building committee. Hildebrandt also served most recently as the chair of the negotiations committee.

“My decision to seek another term is because of our students. I am so captivated when I see them in action; their futures are ahead of them and we are doing everything we can to bring opportunity into the classroom,” she said. “Students today are living in the world of rapidly evolving technology with so many resources at their fingertips. They are becoming more and more advanced in their skills and knowledge, which will make 21st century learning a steady challenge in the education system.”

Hildebrandt says she believes trustees are finding the right balance as they set the course for the school division.

“Hanover is focused on doing what is best for all students and we have worked hard towards our policy governance model by focusing on the big picture and truly leading the division without meddling in daily affairs. Working together with the province also means knowing they dictate more than just the curriculum, so we need to remain focused on what is realistically within our control.”

Hildebrandt is married to her husband, John, and they have two daughters; their eldest daughter graduated from the University of Manitoba in June and their younger daughter will also be attending the University of Manitoba this fall.

She has been employed at HavenGroup as the Director of Housing for the past 11 years, managing Woodhaven Manor, Fernwood Place, Linden Place, Cedarwood Supportive Housing and Parkview Apartments.