MOOSE JAW — Fifteen candidates have put their names forward to be a trustee with Prairie South School Division, although only two sub-divisions — including Moose Jaw — will require an election.
Subdivision 1 — which includes Central Butte, Chaplin, Craik, Eyebrow, Mortlach and Huron Colony — will see a contest between incumbent trustee Darcy Pryor and challenger Jan (Rice) Pogorzelec.
Subdivision 2 — Avonlea, Caronport Elementary School, Lindale Elementary School, Rouleau, Baildon Colony and Belle Plaine Colony — will see incumbent Robert Bachmann re-elected unopposed.
Subdivision 3 — Assiniboia, Mossbank and Rose Valley Colony — will see incumbent John Bumbac re-elected unopposed.
Subdivision 4 — Bengough, Coronach and Rockglen — will see Giselle Wilson, incumbent and board chair, re-elected unopposed.
Subdivision 5 — Glentworth, Gravelbourg, Kincaid, Lafleche, Mankota and Vanguard Colony — will see incumbent Shawn Davidson re-elected unopposed.
Subdivision 6 — the City of Moose Jaw — will see incumbents Brett Hagan, Lew Young, Mary Jukes and Patrick Boyle go up against challengers Kursty Bansley, Brian Martynook, Ron Gorham, Abdul Alabi and Tenielle McLeod.
The municipal and board elections are Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Subdivision 1 biographies
In her biography, Pryor said, “I have been a trusted, dedicated and ethical school board trustee for Prairie South for eight years, serving and representing subdivision 1. I am currently the vice-chair of our board and have been in this position for three years.
“I believe rural schools are the heart of their community and continue to maintain a high standard of education while having many unique qualities and strengths. I’d like to continue my role as a trustee so I can be a strong advocate for schools and education.
“I take pride in my accessibility to the public and my capacity to be the voice of the public at the board table. I would like to see all students achieve personal success, while having meaningful connections with teachers and peers at school.
“My husband and I have two teenage children in grades 10 and 12. We also have a farm/ranch we operate together.”
In her biography, Pogorzelec said, “Born and raised in Tuxford, Saskatchewan. I am passionate about education and supports for ALL learners. I have had a rewarding career in various urban and rural areas within the province of Saskatchewan and served as a teacher, principal, curriculum and special education co-ordinator, inclusive educator, director, and superintendent.
“I am a lifelong learner committed to supporting students, families, communities, and staff in achieving educational success. Currently, I am employed as a part-time sessional supervisor with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina.
“I will provide open and transparent communication partnered with an unwavering focus on students and decisions based on what is in their best interest. I understand the responsibilities of a board of education and the need for the board to lobby (the) provincial government for continued support for providing the best opportunity for student success.”
Subdivision 6 biographies
Brett Hagan: “My name is Brett Hagan and I’m seeking re-election as trustee for Prairie South in the 2024 school board election. My interest in education led to working at Prairie South as an EA for over a decade, giving me first-hand knowledge of how a school and classroom run. I currently work at a protective-model group home for at-risk youth in Moose Jaw.
“I’ve sat on the parks, recreation, and facilities advisory committee, and am currently chair with Wakamow Valley Authority. In the past four years as trustee, I’ve been on the student outcomes, human resources, and partnerships and teambuilding committees; for the past two years I’ve been the representative with the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association.
“My time as trustee, professional experience, work on boards and committees, along with my passion for education and commitment to positive change make me an ideal candidate to continue as trustee for Prairie South.”
Lew Young: “I would be honoured to continue serving the students, staff and parents, of Prairie South Schools. A long-time resident of Moose Jaw, semi-retired from my profession of funeral director. Kathy and I are the parents of two children both educators and have two granddaughters attending school in the city.
“I take my service as a trustee very seriously, working to ensure we provide the most up-to-date resources available to empower and facilitate student learning and achievement. I value Early Childhood Education. I have always maintained an open-door policy for parents and staff to contact me.
“I acknowledge our school community councils and value what I learn there. I appreciate and hold in high esteem the work of ALL Our STAFF, especially this past school year with all the uncertainties that occurred. Many in the Education Sector have become long-time colleagues and I wish to continue to work alongside them locally and provincially.”
Kursty Bansley: “I am a mother of a kindergarten student currently attending a Moose Jaw Prairie South School, and I have extensive experience with legislation, governance, policy framework development, and consider this part of my personal wheelhouse.
“My career has provided me with the experience required to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships with key community-based organizations, and stakeholders at various levels of government, including the Ministry of Education.
“This experience provides me with the understanding of the intricacies required to advocate on behalf of parents and students within our school division, as funding is provided directly from the Ministry of Education.
“Additionally, I was a founding committee member of a Nationally Accredited Professional Association’s project where we developed the current curriculum, and examination materials for a professional educational certification course. My knowledge and passion for accountability within governance provides me with the skills to support and advocate for all parents and students.”
Brian Martynook: “Born and raised in Moose Jaw, I am presently retired, having served as the CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce for 15 years. Prior to that, I owned and operated MM Construction with my father and brother, a local Moose Jaw business that operated continuously for over 50 years.
“Serving my community has always been an integral part of my life and I have served as a director on the boards of the Five Hills Healthy Region, Habitat for Humanity, Moose Jaw Literacy, Hillcrest Sports Centre, the Regina Airport Authority. At present, I sit as a director on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
“In order to bring value to my role as a board director, I completed the educational and examination requirements to achieve my Professional Director (“Pro.Dir”) designation.
“I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community by providing oversight and contributing to the strategic vision of the Prairie South School Division.”
Ron Gorham: “I am seeking election on Prairie South School Division board because I greatly value the education process. Being a retired business manager, I understand the importance of diversity in the education and business sectors. I believe strongly in community involvement and will dedicate myself to the division board.
“My role as general manager with the Co-operative Retailing System allowed me to collaborate with a board. I understand the significance of the board approach to operating a viable business.
“I am the father of two grown children, one of whom works in the education system. While my children attended school, I volunteered with various school events. As well, I coached hockey for several years. The Co-op prides itself in community involvement; throughout my career I organized and participated in community events.
“I have employed high school students during my career, and I believe our young people deserve the greatest possible education.”
Mary Jukes: “I, Mary Jukes, am seeking re-election as board member of Prairie South School Division, Subdivision No. 6. I am a retired educator with teacher, counselor, vice-principal, and principal experience.
“I have served on many boards and committees throughout my career and in addition to the PSSD, currently serve on the Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Board and Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association. I am a mother and grandmother, passionate about life-long learning and community participation in education.
“I believe my experience brings valuable insights to the board, which contributes to informed decision-making. My motto, “It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us,” supports my approachable and transparent work ethic. I believe in the democratic process and the role of consensus in governance.
“I will always provide my opinion, but will actively promote the decisions of the board majority to enhance the lives of students, parents and community stakeholders.”
Patrick Boyle: “Elected as a school board trustee in 2023, Patrick Boyle knows the value of public education. He and his wife Alyssa have three children currently in the Prairie South School Division.
“He understands the challenges Moose Jaw families face each day, positioning him as a strong representative for Moose Jaw residents as a school board trustee for the Prairie South School Division.
“As a former Moose Jaw city councillor from 2012 to 2016, Patrick has extensive governance experience. He is currently an Executive Director for the Water Security Agency with over 20 years of communications and public engagement experience.
“He has and continues to volunteer with many other youth sports organizations, including Moose Jaw Minor Hockey, Moose Jaw Minor Baseball, Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball and Moose Jaw Youth Flag Football. Patrick believes strongly in giving back to the community by serving the people of Moose Jaw.”
Abdul Alabi: “My name is Abdul Alabi and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the school board. As a passionate advocate for education and the well-being of our students, I bring a commitment to ensuring our schools provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all.
“With over 10 years of experience in Canada as a banker, tax professional and advisor committee member with Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research, Cultural Diversity Community member with the City of Moose Jaw and Newcomer Advisory Council member with Prairie Skies Integration Network.
“I have developed the skills needed to make informed, balanced decisions that prioritize the needs of students, parents, and teachers alike. My goal is to collaborate with the community to foster academic excellence, support teachers, and create programs that prepare our students for a successful future.
“I believe that by working together, we can strengthen our schools and build a brighter future for every student. I would be honoured to have your support and serve our community.”
Tenielle McLeod: “As a resident of Moose Jaw for almost 20 years, and mother of three, I am deeply invested in education. I have served as past SCC chairperson for five years, am current vice-chair and SCC member on both elementary and high school committees.
“I have worked in the post-secondary sector as instructor and as educational developer in learning and teaching for almost two decades. My expertise is in assessment, curriculum development, and prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). I have also been involved in advancing initiatives that improve learner pathways for all students such as dual credit, transfer credit, and PLAR.
“I hold a BA and MA from USask. I am a current doctoral candidate in the Adult Learning program at the University of Calgary.
“I am known as a servant leader, committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. I have a deep understanding of the structures within the school division and have fostered many relationships in this space, with teachers, administration, board members, and community.
“I look to use the skills that I may bring to maximize learner experience.”
