GLENDA BELLUZ profile

I’m a school bus driver for Naicatchewenin First Nation. I started driving school bus in 1985, first in elementary division and then as a secondary bus driver.
All of the years but one have been with Naicatchewenin First Nation. In those years, my bus also had students from Burriss, Devlin, and La Vallee.
I’ve been married for 34 years to Jim and have three grown children and one granddaughter. We’ve lived in La Vallee for the past 29 years after moving back from Thunder Bay.
Over the years as our children were growing up, I’ve volunteered at the schools for lunch hours, field trips, and school trips to Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto.
I was on the executive of the Emo-Devlin-Barwick Minor Hockey Association as secretary for several years, as well as being convener for different divisions.
I also was on the Muskie Touchdown Club executive for two seasons when my sons played football.
As the representative of La Vallee and Alberton on the Rainy River District School Board, I would like to be a voice for the parents and students who may have any concerns about issues in the school system.
With the cutbacks and lack of funding our school board is facing, I understand the need for restraints.
But I would hope that this could take place without anymore losses to the courses and extra-curricular activities the students have.
I also am a big believer of the apprenticeship program and think the high school students (native and non-native) should seriously consider the different trades they could pursue.
Not all students are university or college material, and not all families can afford years of post-secondary education.
If I am asked to represent La Vallee and Alberton residents, then I will be happy to take any of your concerns to the board meeting. I can’t promise to be able to fix everything you ask, but I can get as much information as I can for you.
I would appreciate your vote, and thank you in advance.