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School board candidates step forward

The St. Paul Journal asked the candidates for St. Paul Education Regional Division board of trustees for short candidate profiles, to inform voters on their choices in the upcoming Oct. 16 election.

The St. Paul Journal asked the candidates for St. Paul Education Regional Division board of trustees for short candidate profiles, to inform voters on their choices in the upcoming Oct. 16 election.

Trustee, Subdivision D

I am a mom to two boys, ages 11 and 14, enrolled in the French Immersion program at Racette School. My husband, Ron, and I own and operate a small oilfield servicing company together and we are actively involved as volunteers in the community. I was first elected as Trustee in 2007.

I am running for re-election because I have children attending school and I have 10 years of knowledge and experience. My dedication to the board policy committee and ensuring policies are up-to-date and relevant is essential to our board governance. My communications background keeps the board in check when it comes to going into camera and in our transparency with the public.

I am gravely concerned about the growing trend of the elimination of locally-elected school boards across the country, including right here in Alberta. Our provincial government is slowly chipping away at the autonomy of local school boards, and is making it especially difficult for rural boards to operate. There is also a growing movement to eliminate publicly-funded Catholic education. My kids have attended a Catholic school since kindergarten and I believe in the good work these schools are doing in the development of the whole child.

We need experience for the challenges facing our local board and I believe I am the person for the job. I am hard-working, dedicated to students, and prepared to stand up for St. Paul Education.

Trustee, Subdivision D

My name is Sylvie Smyl. I am currently running for School Board Trustee Division D this term.

Who am I…. first of all, I am an engaged and active citizen in the community of St Paul and surrounding area. I have been on several Boards within the community including Champions for Change - Downtown Revitalization, St Paul Splash park, St Paul Soccer, St Paul Gymnastics, N.E.M.A (Northeast Music Association), and Emergency Support Services to name a few.

I am an active member of the Catholic Church - involved in the music ministry for over 20 years and am an active volunteer within the school system.

I am a wife to a loving husband, Richard, and married for 15 years.

Together we have four beautiful daughters. Two of them are currently in Racette, and two in the St Paul Elementary School. In the next few years, we will have children in three separate schools - St Paul Regional, Racette and S.P.E.C.S. I see the challenges and I applaud the successes of our schools within the area.

So the Question is…Why the School Board Trustee Race… to which I reply …. Why Not!

Why not have a fresh face with new ideas on the Board.

Why not have a hard working, artistic, creative and independent thinker representing the People of St Paul.

I believe the St. Paul Education Board to be well run and managed, and I look forward to representing the community of St Paul in a new and profound way.

Trustee, Glen Avon Ward

Students, unwaveringly, I put first. I am honoured to have represented the electors of the Glen Avon Ward on St. Paul Education’s Board of Trustees over the last term.

My wife, Cynthia, and I have raised our children, Holly, Jared, and Shelby, in three provinces, giving me perspective at the Board table. I champion independent thinking that keeps our students’ success and welfare at the forefront of all of our Board’s decisions.

Outside of my work with SPERD, I work collaboratively with members of the Alberta Teacher’s Association as a trustee of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan. As well, I serve on the provincial Health Disciplines Board, where I work alongside legal, medical, and education professionals. Having served as a professor of theology and ethics at a Protestant college, I possess two master’s degrees and have completed all but my doctoral dissertation.

I will continue to be relentless in promoting fairness for our students, teachers, and staff and being passionate about ensuring access to quality education, inclusive of all our students. My entire life has been devoted to the pursuit and delivery of excellence in education as a student, a professor, a parent, and a trustee.

I know first hand how St. Paul Education is an exemplary school division. I aspire to be worthy of your vote and ask my electors not to replace my vision, passion, and experience come election time.

Trustee, Glen Avon Ward

As a local business owner and father of two young children, I am counting on my positive energy to bring a fresh outlook to the Board of Trustees.

I would like to see SPERD as a leader in education, safety, and innovation, while ensuring a quality education is accessible to all students. I believe one way to accomplish this is by involving the parents and students in the schooling process by gathering feedback and responding accordingly.

As your School Board Trustee for the Glen Avon Ward, I will take a hard working, honest and trustworthy approach by partnering with parents to advocate for our students and our schools. I am a people kind of person in a 'people kind of place' with a vested interest in seeing our children succeed.

Trustee, Subdivision C

Since 2004, I have owned and published the Two Hills and County Chronicle, which is operated with my wife, Jan, and pillar in my life for over 20 years.

I currently serve as President of the Conservative Party of Canada Lakeland Constituency Association, as well as serve the Hairy Hill Elks, Two Hills Fish and Game Association, Two Hills and District Chamber of Commerce, Two Hills Playschool Association, as well as several other committees and community initiatives. I am also actively involved in provincial politics.

My reason for initially running and now seeking re-election revolves around my children, who attend Two Hills School. Our children are our future and we must provide them with the tools and support to succeed. Anything less than a first class education regardless of race, colour or creed is unacceptable. As a parent with young children, I know the emotional, physical and financial challenges one faces in raising a family. I’m living it.

My first term as School Trustee has been a truly rewarding experience. I have worked collectively with the board to not only make our district stronger but the entire region as a whole. Over the years, I have earned their respect for being a passionate and effective representative / voice for all our children within our diverse school system, always putting our children’s well-being at the forefront of every decision.

On October 16, allow me to join you, and together we can make decisions that put our children first.

Trustee, Subdivision C

The Two Hills area is a place that I am proud to call my home. We are a small farming community with a lot of heart. I love the volunteer work that I have done in this community including the Ag Society, Run to the Hills Rally, 4-H, and the Canada Day Committee. When I am not helping out with these events I am at home on the farm with my family.

As a mother and a grandmother, I have seen firsthand how important education is in determining a child’s future. A child’s education should give them the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be better prepared for life.

We all deserve a voice in making educational and administrative decisions. I commit to being a conduit for the concerns and interests of all parents and community members.

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