Armitage Advocates for Parental Involvement in School Board Election

In the lead-up to the October 16, 2023, byelection for the Brandon School Division board of trustees, candidate Laura Armitage emphasizes the need for greater parental representation in school governance. With four children currently enrolled in the local school system, Armitage believes her active involvement as a parent equips her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by families navigating education.

Armitage is one of seven candidates vying for a single trustee seat, alongside Shawna Mozdzen, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Michael Grantham, Eren Oleson, Himanshu Shah, and Henry Sieklicki. Her extensive volunteer experience includes a decade-long commitment to the parent council at École New Era School, where she served as chair for seven years. “I think it’s really important to have a trustee who has students in the system today,” Armitage stated, noting that many current trustees lack this direct connection.

One of her primary concerns is the sustainability of lunch programming within the division. Armitage pointed out that many meal programs rely heavily on volunteers, with parents contributing up to 40 hours a week alongside their jobs to ensure students are fed. “That’s not sustainable. We need the division to take a more active role so these programs don’t collapse,” she explained.

Addressing the issue of overcrowding, Armitage highlighted the pressing need for additional school facilities, particularly a fourth high school, to accommodate a growing student population. She noted that classrooms often exceed 30 students, leading to cramped conditions that hinder effective learning. “Teachers need smaller class sizes, and students need more space to learn effectively,” she remarked.

Armitage is also focused on supporting teachers and staff, advocating for better resources and manageable class sizes. “Teachers are being asked to do more with less, and that’s not fair,” she stated. She believes that ensuring educators have the necessary support will enhance the overall learning environment for students.

Regarding safety measures in schools, Armitage expressed her support for the division’s recent initiatives, including the establishment of safety advisory committees following a concerning incident earlier in the year. She underscored the importance of communication between the board and parents, saying, “Parents want to know their children are safe, and they want to have a say in how safety is handled.”

Balancing her campaign with her job in retail and family commitments has been challenging. Armitage credits her family, especially her children, for their unwavering support throughout her campaign. “My family has been incredible through this. They know how much I care about schools, and they’ve been cheering me on every step,” she shared.

Having attended nearly every trustee meeting over the past two years, Armitage gained insights into decision-making processes and the feelings of disenfranchisement among parents. “It can feel like families don’t always have a seat at the table,” she noted, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring parents’ concerns are not only acknowledged but acted upon.

Ultimately, Armitage’s campaign is driven by a fundamental belief in the necessity of having trustees who are closely connected to the classrooms and families they serve. “I’m not a politician,” she stated. “I’m a mom who wants to make sure our schools are doing the best they can for every student. That’s why I’m running — to bring that inside voice, the parent voice, to the board.”

Advance polls for the byelection will be open on October 8 at city hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on October 11 at the Keystone Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Election day is set for October 16, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. across various locations. A complete list of voting sites is available on the city’s official website. The byelection was necessitated by the resignation of Blaine Foley in March. The next general school board election is scheduled for October 28, 2026, coinciding with municipal elections.