School Trustee Candidate Prioritizes Safety Ahead of Byelection

UPDATE: Safety is the top concern for Michael Grantham, a candidate vying for the Ward 1 trustee seat in the upcoming Brandon School Division byelection. Following a disturbing sword attack at École secondaire Neelin High School in June that injured one student, Grantham is committed to addressing safety measures within local schools.

In a statement made just days before the election, Grantham emphasized, “Kids being safe and being able to feel that way and going to school is paramount.” Grantham is up against six other candidates, including Laura Armitage and Bonnie-Lynn Mills, in this crucial seven-person race. The byelection is set for October 16, 2023, with advanced polls open on October 8 and 11.

Grantham proposes several initiatives to enhance school safety, including the installation of working cameras, hiring safety officers, and improving control in school zones. He suggests that educational assistants could take on the role of safety officers, providing extra support. “We have to slow down going through school zones,” he noted, advocating for clearer signage and flashing lights to alert drivers.

Having resided in Brandon since childhood, Grantham sees this candidacy as his chance to give back to the community he loves. He voiced strong opposition to book bans in schools, stating, “I’m not a fan of banning books — information and knowledge is power.” This sentiment comes in response to recent events in Alberta, where the provincial government imposed restrictions on certain books featuring explicit content, raising concerns about censorship and inclusivity.

The Brandon School Division faced public backlash earlier this year when a request to review LGBTQ-related books was rejected after extensive debate. Grantham believes that access to diverse literature is vital for fostering understanding and inclusivity among students.

With a total of seven candidates competing for the trustee position, Grantham expressed surprise at the number of participants but remains optimistic. “May the best candidate win,” he stated.

The byelection follows the resignation of Blaine Foley in March, and the stakes are high as candidates prepare to influence the future of education in the community. Voters in Brandon will have the opportunity to weigh in on critical safety and inclusivity issues that impact students and families alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as the election date approaches.