Meet Mike

A community leader who builds

Leadership isn't about having the loudest voice. It's about showing up, listening, bringing people together and getting things done.

Since 2004, I've dedicated my career to education. As a teacher with experience in social work, a parent, and a community leader, I believe in bringing people together to create positive change. I'm running to be a voice for stronger schools and stronger communities.

I founded and lead SoberFest, a family-friendly, alcohol-free community festival that brings thousands of people together while raising funds for services in our community.

I also founded and lead the Rewired Recovery Foundation, working to improve access to services and support for people and families who need them.

When a community comes together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. That same approach is what I want to bring to SD62.

From the classroom to the community

I've seen our schools from the inside.

With a wealth of experience in the education field, including 6 years teaching in SD62, I understand the challenges facing teachers, education assistants, students and families. I've seen the difference that stable, committed staff can make in a child's life. I've also seen what happens when schools experience constant turnover.

Relationships are disrupted. Staff are stretched. Students feel it. Families feel it.

We need to do more to retain the people who make our schools strong.

Why I'm running

I'm not running for a title. I'm running because our kids only get one education.

I believe we need a School Board that listens to the people who work in our schools, listens to families and keeps students at the centre of every decision.

I've spent my career in education. I've built community organizations from the ground up. I've brought thousands of people together. And now I want to bring that experience to the School Board.

Mike Manhas at home in Langford with his newborn daughter and family dogMike Manhas with his partner at a community event
Mike Manhas holding his newborn daughter alongside his mother

At a glance

  • Career in education since 2004
  • 6 years teaching in SD62
  • Experience in social work
  • Founder of SoberFest
  • Founder of the Rewired Recovery Foundation
  • Parent, living in Langford

In pictures

The short version of the story

Portrait of Mike Manhas, candidate for School Board Trustee in SD62

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A teacher and a parent

A teacher with experience in social work, a parent, and a community leader.

Mike Manhas holding his newborn daughter beside his mother

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Family first

Our kids only get one education. That is why I'm running.

Mike Manhas at home in Langford with his newborn and his dog

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At home in Langford

Raising a family in the same community these schools serve.

Mike Manhas at a community event in Langford

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In the community

Showing up, listening, bringing people together and getting things done.

Leadership that brings people together

Four commitments that guide the work

Show up and listen

Leadership isn't about having the loudest voice. It's about showing up, listening, bringing people together and getting things done.

Students at the centre

A School Board that listens to the people who work in our schools, listens to families and keeps students at the centre of every decision.

Collaboration over division

Not partisan politics. Not division. Collaboration. Accountability. Solutions.

Turn ideas into action

I've built community organizations from the ground up and brought thousands of people together. I know what it takes to turn an idea into action.