Shawna Mozdzen Sworn in as Ward 1 School Trustee in Brandon

Shawna Mozdzen officially took her seat as a trustee for the Brandon School Division on the evening of October 16, 2023. She was sworn in during a special meeting of the board of trustees, marking the beginning of her tenure following a successful byelection.

During the formal ceremony, Mozdzen raised her right hand and took the oath of office, promising to “faithfully perform her duties and uphold the trustee code of ethics.” The ceremony was conducted by Denis Labossiere, the Secretary-Treasurer of the division, who also oversaw the signing of necessary documents in accordance with the Public Schools Act.

Mozdzen expressed her enthusiasm about joining the board after securing a significant victory in the recent byelection. “I’d like to get started and just work as a board — bring everyone together at the same table and come to great decisions as a board,” she stated shortly after the ceremony.

Her election came after a competitive campaign in which she garnered 2,229 votes, representing 56.7 percent of the total, outpacing six other candidates, including Henry Sieklicki, Laura Armitage, Michael Grantham, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, and Eren Oleson. In total, 3,929 votes were cast in the byelection, with 596 votes coming from advance polls and sealed ballots, as reported by the senior election official.

Mozdzen, who works as a school support and educational assistant, emphasized her commitment to advocating for both students and staff. She aims to ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. “Just have my voice heard and speak to what I believe in, like I always do, and just try to do everything that’s right for the students and staff,” she added.

With a focus on creating a nurturing educational environment, Mozdzen plans to prioritize inclusivity and support for students and their families. Her vision is to foster a space where everyone feels “supported, included, and safe,” reflecting her core beliefs as a newly elected trustee.

As she embarks on her new role, the community of Brandon looks forward to her contributions to the school board and the positive impact she intends to make for those within the district.