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601 videosHow does a decades-long career in school division finance shape a trustee’s approach to governance, growth, and student needs?
In this episode of Winnipeg Votes 2026, host Graham McDonald speaks with Craig Stahlke, candidate for School Trustee seeking re-election in Pembina Trails School Division, Ward 1.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant and over four decades spent as Secretary-Treasurer for Pembina Trails and Fort Garry School Division, Craig discusses the balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting student needs. He shares insights into why continuity on the board matters, how past administrative experience informs decision-making, and what it takes to manage growing enrollment.
The conversation explores key issues facing the school division, including mill rate increases, provincial funding vs. local property tax reliance, supports for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Indigenous students, classroom priority protections, anti-bullying measures, and long-term capacity planning in rapidly growing wards.
0:00 English as an Additional Language: How Pembina Trails Supports EAL Students
0:28 Tax Rates and Mill Rate Increase: Is a 9.61% Tax Increase Justified?
0:50 Meet Craig Stahlke: Candidate for School Trustee in Ward 1
1:23 Why Seek Re-Election? The Importance of Board Continuity
2:07 Shaping the Budget: The Board's Most Significant Role
2:58 How 40+ Years in School Finance Prepares a Trustee
3:50 The Biggest Issues Facing Ward 1 and Division Growth
4:44 Supporting Cultural Diversity and Indigenous Students
5:38 Specialized Supports: EAL Programs and Community Integration
6:17 Engaging Elders and Culturally Inclusive Programming
7:02 Defending the 9.61% Mill Rate Increase: Student Needs vs. Tax Burden
8:10 Provincial Funding vs. Local Property Tax Reliance
8:58 What Programs to Protect When Funding Falls Short?
9:43 Special Needs Supports and Individualized Student Care
10:35 Anti-Bullying Policies and Addressing Harassment in Schools
11:28 Managing School Capacity and Long-Term Facility Planning
Craig outlines his perspective on navigating budget constraints while protecting classroom resources, supporting diverse student populations, and maintaining high educational standards across the division.
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. The views expressed in this article are the candidate’s own, and this article does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.