Serving our schools, strengthening our community

When I first decided to run for school trustee, some people asked me, “Why?”

It wasn’t glamorous.

There’s no parade, no front-page spotlight, and certainly no red carpet.

What there is — and always will be — is paperwork, long meetings, and a whole lot of responsibility.

So why do it? Because our children deserve champions, and our communities deserve a voice. My campaign tagline back then was simple: The Voice for Change.

Public education sits at the heart of democracy.

Every child who walks through the doors of a Manitoba public school carries with them the hopes of their family and the future of our province. As a trustee, my job isn’t just to vote on budgets or policies — it’s to listen, to learn, and to lead with compassion and integrity.

I ran because I wanted to bridge the gap between classrooms and communities. When families, teachers, and students feel heard, schools become stronger.

Whether it’s improving access to mental health supports, ensuring equity in resources, or celebrating the diversity that defines Winnipeg and beyond, every decision we make as trustees shapes the kind of future we build together.

Leadership, I’ve learned, begins with listening. I’ve sat with parents anxious about their child’s learning needs, teachers trying to do more with less, and students who bravely ask why their voices aren’t always at the table. Those conversations are humbling — and they remind me that progress doesn’t come from policy alone.

It comes from people working together, grounded in respect and hope.

Representation matters, too. As a Filipino Canadian, I understand the power of seeing yourself reflected in leadership.

It signals belonging, it fosters confidence, and it inspires the next generation to dream bigger. Our school boards should mirror the communities they serve — diverse, dynamic, and deeply committed to the common good. Every student should know they matter, their ideas count, and their future is worth fighting for.

In my role as a regional director with the Manitoba School Boards Association, I’ve seen the incredible dedication of trustees across the province — from large urban divisions to small rural and northern schools.

Despite the geographic differences, one thing unites us all: the belief that strong public education builds strong communities.

Now, I’d like to offer a gentle nudge to Manitobans who care deeply about their schools: consider stepping forward. Run for trustee. Volunteer. Attend your local board meetings.

The next trustee elections will be held in October 2026, and our education system needs passionate, thoughtful citizens who are ready to serve.

You don’t need a political background — just a heart for service and a belief that education can change lives.

Public service isn’t easy. It’s full of long nights, tough decisions, and the occasional email that arrives at 2 a.m. But it is also deeply rewarding. When we work together — parents, educators, trustees, and community members — we can build schools where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

At the end of the day, being a trustee isn’t about titles or politics — it’s about trust. And to me, that word means something bigger:

T.R.U.S.T.E.E. — Teach, Represent, Understand, Serve, Transform, Empower, Engage.

That’s what it’s all about — one decision, one conversation, and one student at a time.

Ann Evangelista serves as a school trustee in the Winnipeg School Division and as a regional director with the Manitoba School Boards Association. She is passionate about community leadership, climate justice, and inclusive education.