Why community voices should shape education policy

by Ann Evangelista

Cultural Treaty Fair at Lord Selkirk School. Celebrating student voices, cultural understanding, and learning through Treaty education. Trustee Ann Evangelista with Grade 5 and 6 students as they share their learning and engagement with Indigenous histories and relationships.

Who should decide what’s best for our students? Some might say experts, policymakers, or elected officials. But the truth is simpler, and closer to home. It’s all of us.

As a trustee, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful community voices can be. Parents, educators, and everyday residents bring insights that no policy document can capture. They know what works, what challenges families face, and what our neighbourhoods truly need. When these voices are heard, policies become not just rules, but reflections of real lives.

Here’s what I want everyone to know: your voice matters all year long, not only during elections. Every time you share ideas, attend a meeting, or participate in a consultation, you shape decisions that affect our children. Engagement is not seasonal; it is ongoing.

Too often, families feel input doesn’t matter or that decisions happen behind closed doors. But when we invite the community in, and when residents step forward, we build stronger, more transparent policies. Listening is not a political season; it’s a commitment. And here’s something I say frequently when people ask, “Is it okay to e-mail or call you with questions or concerns?” My answer is always yes. Definitely. I am here to serve you.

Community participation strengthens trust. Parents engage when they see their feedback shape real outcomes. Teachers feel valued when their experience guides policy. And students – the most important stakeholders – learn that democracy isn’t just taught in social studies; it’s practiced in real life.

So, here’s my call to action:

• Attend school board meetings.
• Join consultations and advisory sessions.
• Send that e-mail, ask the tough questions, share your ideas.
• And if you feel inspired to take your engagement even further, explore running for school trustee yourself! Elections2026.ca has a wealth of resources for anyone wanting to S.E.R.V.E. and help shape our schools from the inside.

Because when community voices shape education policy – not just on election day, but every day – we’re not just improving schools; we’re building a stronger, more connected Winnipeg.

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 Policy and Programs Committee Chair and is passionate about community leadership, equity, and lifelong learning. Ann can be reached at: aevangelista@wsd1.org and annevangelista.ca