Safety Takes Center Stage in Brandon School Trustee Race

The upcoming byelection for the Ward 1 trustee seat in the Brandon School Division has brought safety issues to the forefront, particularly highlighted by the sword attack at École secondaire Neelin High School in June, which left one student injured. Candidate Michael Grantham, 57, is emphasizing the importance of safety as a key part of his campaign.

Grantham expressed his commitment to ensuring students feel safe at school, stating, “Kids being safe and being able to feel that way and going to school is paramount.” He is one of seven candidates competing for the position, facing off against Laura Armitage, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Shawna Mozdzen, Eren Oleson, Himanshu Shah, and Henry Sieklicki.

On the safety front, Grantham has proposed measures such as installing working cameras, employing safety officers, and enhancing control in school zones. He suggested that educational assistants could take on roles as safety officers, underscoring the need for better awareness among drivers in school zones. “Do we make them more noticeable? Do we put lights on it so they’re flashing just to kind of give people that heads up again?” Grantham asked.

Having moved to Brandon when he was in Grade 3, Grantham has deep ties to the community. He currently manages an insurance brokerage and views his candidacy as an opportunity to give back. He also voiced his opposition to banning books in school libraries, asserting the importance of access to information.

Grantham noted the recent controversy surrounding book bans in other regions, specifically referencing Alberta’s actions against books with explicit content. “I’m not a fan of banning books — information and knowledge is power,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive educational resources. He acknowledged that some students may feel isolated and could benefit from having access to diverse literature.

The candidate also aims to ensure that the Brandon School Division remains welcoming to newcomers, particularly regarding language barriers. “Do we have the proper resources for a lot of the influx of new people that are coming in?” Grantham questioned, highlighting the need for community support.

With seven candidates vying for the position, Grantham expressed surprise but also optimism. “May the best candidate win,” he remarked, as he prepares for the election. The byelection was prompted by the resignation of Blaine Foley in March. Voters will head to the polls on October 16, 2023, with advanced polling scheduled for October 8 and October 11. The next general school board election is set for October 28, 2026, coinciding with the municipal election.

Through his campaign, Grantham aims to address pressing safety concerns while fostering a more inclusive environment within the school division.