Oleson Advocates for More Teachers and Support Staff in Brandon Schools

Brandon School Division trustee candidate Eren Oleson has identified the recruitment of additional teachers and educational assistants as a primary goal in the lead-up to the upcoming byelection on October 16, 2023. Oleson, who is 34 years old and currently works as a 911 dispatcher while studying part-time at Brandon University, stated that an increasing number of students require specialized support within the division.

In a recent interview, Oleson highlighted that the changing demographics in Brandon have led to a rise in students needing tailored educational interactions. “We do have a significant change in demographics in Brandon, and it seems like there are more students who need specialized interactions with teachers,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of providing adequate assistance, particularly for students who speak English as a second language.

Oleson noted that he believes there are areas of waste within the school division’s budget. He proposed that reallocating some of these funds could help address the pressing need for more support staff. His commitment to inclusive educational policies is also evident, with a focus on ensuring that all students have access to appropriate educational resources.

Oleson raised concerns about political discussions in past school board meetings, particularly regarding book bans, stating, “It became pretty clear to the community that the school board is not a place for politics.” He advocates for maintaining an open dialogue while ensuring that the focus remains on education rather than political issues.

Another key aspect of Oleson’s platform is the promotion of student leadership. He proposes a program that would allow students to take on “pseudo-teaching” roles, where they could present sections of lessons to their peers. “One of the best ways to learn is to teach,” he remarked, believing that this initiative would foster a culture change and help students develop greater empathy for their teachers’ challenges.

Oleson also aims to enhance career awareness among students. He suggests initiatives such as “bring your kid to work” days and site visits to local job locations. “A lot of kids that go to school, school is not really for them, and we need to also start thinking about what is out there for them,” he said.

With a longstanding interest in running for a trustee position, Oleson had initially planned to campaign in the next general election. However, the recent vacancy created by the resignation of Blaine Foley prompted his candidacy in this byelection. He emphasizes the need for fair representation and transparency within the school board.

Oleson is one of seven candidates vying for a single trustee seat in the Brandon ward. He will be competing against Laura Armitage, Shawna Mozdzen, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Michael Grantham, Himanshu Shah, and Henry Sieklicki. Advance polling is scheduled for October 8 at city hall and October 11 at the Keystone Centre, with election day set for October 16, when polling stations will be open from 08:00 to 20:00 across various locations in the city.

For those interested in voting, a comprehensive list of polling sites can be found at brandon.ca. The next general school board election is slated for October 28, 2026, coinciding with municipal elections.