Kevin Schmidt
for Ward 9
Saskatoon Public School Division
Trustee Candidate
Why I am running for Trustee in Ward 9
The change in the education funding model has created significant challenges for Boards of Education. I want to bring my experience as a teacher, administrator and board member to the SPSD so I can work with the entire board and the management team to ensure division funding is allocated effectively to meet the needs of all students.
My passion and belief in a strong, properly funded, publicly delivered education system combined with my experience in the education sector calls me to be a trustee who will advocate for improvements within SPSD that will allow students, staff, and all involved in the system to thrive.
My Commitments to Ward 9
I believe that publicly funded and delivered education is the cornerstone of a vibrant, inclusive society. As your school trustee I will commit to ensuring that students and their schools thrive by:
Standing Strong Against Cuts: I will fight against provincial cuts to our education system.
Demanding Accountability: I will advocate for government to invest education taxes in publicly funded and publicly delivered education.
Empowering Educators: I will strengthen the partnership between SPS, teachers, and support staff for a healthier learning environment.
Together, let’s build a brighter future for our children!
Personal and Educational Background
My partner, Tannis, and our three children have all received our education in publicly funded schools. After graduating from the public school system, I earned:
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD)
Master of Education (MEd) in Education Administration
These experiences have provided me with significant insight into the operations of publicly funded schools and school divisions.
Experience in the Field of Education
With 22 years of teaching experience, I have continued a path of lifelong learning and service in areas such as:
Mediation
Public education and the law
Professional development
Trustee management and governance
Collective bargaining
Educational conventions and workshops
During my teaching career, I volunteered extensively to enhance the school experience for students and staff by:
supporting students to enhance their leadership skills in advising student councils;
organizing science fairs and dinner theatres and graduations;
dinner theatres and graduations;
coaching and officiating many sports at many levels;
co-leading the tech team which was at most extra-curricular events including school concerts.
Leadership and Advocacy Beyond the Classroom
Providing support for students in the school shifted to advocating for students in the province when I joined the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) as a Senior Administrative Staff (SAS) member. Through direct interaction with the Ministry of Education and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, I worked with STF colleagues to explore challenges within the sector and develop potential solutions. Being on the STF Provincial Collective Bargaining Committee for years, serving as a Director on the health plan for teachers, and supporting teachers in local associations as they prepared to enter into local negotiations with their school boards, has provided me skills ready to be applied as a school board trustee.
Leadership and Advocacy Beyond the Classroom
Publicly funded and publicly delivered education is the cornerstone of a strong, diverse, inclusive, and healthy society.
It is imperative that Saskatchewan people understand the need for investment in education.
We must proclaim a pro-education stance and get to work!
How to Help Out
It is exciting to put my name forward as your candidate for Ward 9 trustee!
Campaigns take time, energy and teamwork.
If you value strong leadership in education, click here to find out how you could help.
Any help is much appreciated! Let's support education!