Shawna Mozdzen Prioritizes Student Well-Being in Trustee Race

As the byelection for the Brandon School Division trustee seat approaches, candidate Shawna Mozdzen is emphasizing the importance of supporting students and families within local schools. The election is scheduled for October 16, 2023, following the resignation of former trustee Blaine Foley in March. Mozdzen is one of seven candidates contesting for the position, each aiming to shape the future of education in the community.

Mozdzen, who has worked in various support and educational assistant roles across five local schools since 2007, draws from her extensive experience to highlight the daily challenges students face, including learning difficulties and mental health issues. “For me, it’s always been about students and families,” she stated. “When parents are comfortable in schools, students are more comfortable too. That’s why community and family engagement is so critical.”

Focus on Inclusion and Community Engagement

A longtime resident of Brandon and an Indigenous community leader, Mozdzen’s campaign centers on themes of inclusion, equity, and well-being. She advocates for stronger communication between families and schools, improved mental health supports, and ensuring teachers have the necessary resources to focus on education. “The board has to stretch every dollar. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure students and families get the support they need,” she explained.

Mozdzen’s background as a Métis and First Nations woman informs her commitment to reconciliation. She believes schools play a vital role in educating students about Indigenous culture and its significance. “I’m a firm believer that we need to learn about Indigenous culture and the beauty of it, alongside the difficult history, to move toward reconciliation,” she remarked. Her perspective is particularly relevant given the ongoing dialogue around Indigenous issues in Canada.

The candidate also addresses the need for safe learning environments, especially in light of the violence that occurred at École secondaire Neelin High School last June. Recognizing the fears of parents, Mozdzen underscores the necessity of preventive measures and welcomes the division’s establishment of safe advisory councils. She is open to exploring additional security measures if funding permits, acknowledging that financial constraints often challenge school boards.

Personal Commitment to Education

As a single mother of two sons who graduated from the Brandon School Division, Mozdzen’s personal experiences shape her educational philosophy. She firmly believes in the potential of the school system, as both of her sons succeeded in their studies. “Now I want to give back by helping make sure every family feels that same sense of belonging and opportunity,” she said.

The early stages of her campaign have been met with encouragement from friends, colleagues, and community members. Mozdzen expressed her determination to run, stating, “I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I had a chance. But more than anything, I want the best person for the job to win—because our schools, students, and families deserve it.”

The upcoming byelection presents an opportunity for the community to choose a leader who prioritizes the needs of students and families. With advance polls set to open on October 8 and October 11, the community will soon have the chance to voice their preferences in shaping the educational landscape of the Brandon School Division. The general school board election is also scheduled for October 28, 2026, coinciding with municipal elections.