Two candidates put their names forward in the Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools (WRPS) by-election nomination day, held Jan. 29.
The division announced the need for a by-election in Division 3 following the resignation of former trustee Stephanie Wilson. Wilson tendered her resignation in a letter to the board of trustees, dated Nov. 27, 2017.
Wilson was acclaimed as the Division 3 trustee during the October 2017 school board election.
Betty Jurykoski and Rhonda Peters are now in the running to take Wilson’s place on the board.
The by-election will take place Feb. 26 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The voting station will be located at the Falun Seniors Center.
Betty Jurykoski
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
The information package states that to be a trustee you do not need to be an education expert. I am not an expert but I do believe in the following statements to ensure the success of the board and the students:
• The most important duty a trustee can perform is to adhere to the legislation, policies and mandates established by regulatory process;
• A trustee advocates for children by assessing educational policies to determine what is best for children, sets goals for their school system and plans for the future;
• Evaluates policies to ensure they remain consistent with established goals; and most importantly works collaboratively with the board to adopt a fiscally responsible budget that shows accountability for the dollars spent, reflects the board’s priorities and blends the needs and wishes of the community.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of school trustee?
I have spent 27 years working in municipal government which has given me vast knowledge. The most important quality is that in having that background experience I fully understand the need for policy, procedure, sound financial planning, strategically planning for a successful future, lobbying other government bodies and agencies on an ongoing basis and most importantly to be fiscally responsible for your decisions and the implementation of them.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I have resided in the Falun area for the past 38 years, happily married to the same guy, have an amazing selection of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have family members who are education professionals and have had long discussions with them about the “state of affairs” and the changing times in educating our children.
Rhonda Peters
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
As a parent of four children — three in the school system and one having graduated — I understand that it would be beneficial to have an open dialogue with our students about real issues that they have recognized. This dialogue could include recent graduates and also those who are in high school. My proposed dialogue would allow the participants to express ideas they feel have been effective in their schooling and also practical ideas our schools could implement and they feel would be of benefit to them in moving forward as responsible citizens of our community.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of school trustee?
I have a genuine concern for the overall well-being of children and young adults. I have a heart for the struggles and pressures of the young people in our community. I believe that humility and integrity are essential for such a trusted position.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I volunteer in a local elementary school, the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, local and surrounding shelters and an addiction center. I have developed a youth outreach program designed to bring hope and provide troubled youth an opportunity to ask questions in a safe environment through storytelling and various hands on projects.
As with the October 2017 election, WRPS hosted its own candidate questionnaire profiles, which can also be found on the division’s website: https://www.wrps.ab.ca/by-election-division-3/candidate-profiles.