Elect
Michelle Kowalchuk for School Trustee River East Transcona Ward 4
Meet Michelle
I'm very excited to be running for School Trustee in RETSD Ward 4! Here's a bit about me:
- I'm a Social Worker and community leader with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, youth, families and communities.
- I have a background in mental health, child advocacy, government and community organizations.
- I bring extensive experience in education partnerships, youth engagement, policy development, advocacy, conflict resolution and building collaborative relationships across communities.
- I’m a long time resident of the River East Transcona School Division. My mother was a teacher and I was a student in this division. Along with my husband, we have raised two children who graduated from the public school system in this division.
- I have served on several boards including Urban Stable, Beyond Borders ECPAT International, The Attachment Network and Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba Provincial Council.
- I'm active in my community as a volunteer and youth mentor with a strong belief in community service. I am currently an advisor for the local Winnipeg branch and National Executive of CYMK-Ukrainian Orthodox Youth
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What I stand for:
Engagement
Listening to students, families and the community when it comes to priorities in our schools. Throughout my career as a clinician, policy maker and advocate, I have become a good listener. Meaningful engagement of all the stakeholders in a community is important to understanding the needs and decision-making.
Accountability
Ensuring that program and spending decisions are made using a 'students first' approach. Making sure we protect resources that directly support students and classrooms and report clearly on what each major budget decision means for students, staff and taxpayers.
Relationships
Relationships are central for schools. We need to make sure every student has a place in our schools and stays in school until they graduate. Teachers, educational assistants, support workers, administrators and other staff are essential to student success.
My guiding questions:
- Does this decision improve outcomes for students?
- Is it financially responsible and sustainable?
- Have students, families, staff and the community been meaningfully heard?
What's new
I have the amazing honour of being one of the 2026 Osvita Foundation honourees along with my co-recipient Beverly Stepaniuk!
Osvita honourees are individuals who enhance and promote Ukrainian language, education, and culture; promote Ukrainian identity; provide outstanding service to the Ukrainian Community; and are a Manitoba resident of Ukrainian descent. In addition, the recent call for nominees included a focus on those individuals who have provided exceptional service to facilitate the arrival of, or ease the transition for newcomers from Ukraine to life in Canada.
To learn more go to https://mpue.ca/osvita-announcements/2026-honouree-announcement/
River East Transcona Teachers Association recently asked candidates running for school trustee to respond to a number of excellent questions. I appreciate the opportunity to get a little more detailed on my approach to the role of school trustee. Read my responses here
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Graham McDonald of U Multicultural on my candidacy for RETSD School Trustee. Check it out here
Donate to Michelle's campaign
Your support and contributions will help supports the costs of signs and leaflets and is very much appreciated!