Seven Candidates Compete for Brandon School Board Seat in Byelection

Seven candidates are contending for a position on the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees following the resignation of trustee Blaine Foley in March. The byelection, scheduled for October 16, 2023, will provide residents of Ward 1, which encompasses the City of Brandon, the opportunity to select a new representative.

The candidates who have successfully filed their nomination papers are Laura Armitage, Michael Grantham, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Shawna Mozdzen, Eren Oleson, Himanshu Shah, and Henry Sieklicki. The announcement was made by the senior election official on Thursday, confirming that all candidates met the necessary requirements to run.

Voter participation is encouraged, with multiple polling locations set to be established throughout the city on election day. In addition to in-person voting, residents will have the option to cast their ballots at advanced voting stations on October 8 at Brandon City Hall and on October 11 in the Pioneer Lounge at the Keystone Centre. Mail-in voting will also be available for those who prefer to vote remotely.

The upcoming byelection is significant, as it will shape the future direction of the Brandon School Division at a time when educational leadership is critical to navigating challenges in the school system. Local officials and candidates alike emphasize the importance of community engagement and participation in the electoral process.

As the election approaches, candidates are expected to articulate their visions for the school division, addressing key issues such as funding, academic performance, and community involvement. Voters are encouraged to review candidate platforms to make informed decisions that will impact local education.

The Brandon School Division Board of Trustees plays a vital role in overseeing educational policies and ensuring quality education for students in the area. This byelection is an opportunity for residents to influence the decision-making processes of their local education system.