Earlier this month, The Reminder sent questionnaires to each candidate running in the upcoming Creighton School Division board of trustees election, asking their stances on various local and regional issues.
Each candidate was sent the same set of questions, ground rules, guidelines and deadlines for response.
A total of 13 candidates are running in the election, which will take place Nov. 13. Twelve candidates answered The Reminder’s request for answers, with 11 of them included in The Reminder's Oct. 30 print issue. One candidate, Wally Olson, did not submit responses. Another candidate, Amanda Gauthier, submitted responses but was not included in The Reminder's Oct. 30 issue due to an editorial mix-up - Gauthier's responses are included below and will be printed in The Reminder's Nov. 6 issue.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your qualifications. What made you want to run for school board?
Shannon Anaka: My name is Shannon and I’m a funeral director at Grant Funeral Home. Two of my children attend Creighton Community School. I’ve never sat on a board before, but I have spent years coaching sports and I was the event chair for the Relay for Life for three years. I decided to run because when my children were small, it was the school you wanted your kids to attend - instead of just complaining, I decided that maybe I could help be the positive change it needs.
Tracy Andrusiak: I have lived in Creighton for over 30 years with my husband Neal and our three children. Community involvement has always been a priority for me. I sat on the Creighton School Board for many years in the past. I was also part of the development of Smiling Hearts Daycare. It is my belief that investing time and resources in our children’s education locally will lead to a more successful future for our community.
Crystal Banting: My name is Crystal Banting. I was born in Flin Flon, raised in Creighton and in the last 10 years or so, I’ve called Denare Beach home with my husband and two boys. I have my local government administration certificate from the Univ. of Regina, work in the administration office in Denare Beach and also run my own business in the area.
Janet Clark: I have been involved with Creighton School for many years and attended Creighton School. I was employed at the school until retiring after 23 years. I was elected to the school board just before Creighton School became a high school - a big step for our students and community. I would like to stay on as member to make Creighton School grow even more.
Mel Durette: My name is Mel Durette (Holmgren). I was born and raised in Denare Beach and have since raised my own children here. I live with my husband Mike, son Owen and daughter Sadie. My husband and I also attended Creighton Community School as children. In 2018, I started my position as the recreation director for Denare Beach. Over the past seven years I have hired staff, organized events and worked with youth, including regular partnership work with PBCN, WMP and other local Indigenous groups.
Donna Ferguson Anaka: I was born and raised in Flin Flon and have lived in Denare Beach for the last 13 years. I was an educational assistant at Creighton Community School for 18 years. I served on the board of the Flin Flon School Division for four years. I have been on the Creighton School Division board for the last eight years. I wanted to run because I care about the school, its staff, students and families.
Amanda Gauthier: I am a registered massage therapist and co-owner of Full Range Therapy. Over the last few years, I have been actively serving on several boards around the community. I am currently on the Flin Flon Community Garden and the treasurer for the Creighton School Community Council. The school board interests me as a business person. I am excited for the challenge of taking the resources we are allocated to maximize the success of every student.
Lacy Hynes: I am a registered nurse at the Creighton health office in public health. Born and raised in Creighton, I attended school here from K-9 and now have a child at Creighton Community School. I bring expertise in crisis management, trauma-informed care and advocacy. I am committed to lifelong learning. I’m choosing to run for the school board to ensure our children receive the support they need to thrive, while also prioritizing the well-being of our dedicated educators and staff.
Lisa Linnick: I am a retired pharmacist who proudly served the communities in our area for 30 years, including 20 + years as a pharmacy manager. I have lived in Creighton all my life. My education and career provided many opportunities for personal growth in areas of leadership, organization, accountability, teamwork and communication. I wish to provide an opportunity to support excellence in education and help our students achieve the best outcome possible for their future.
Cari McLean: My name is Cari McLean and I am running for Creighton School Division board. I was born and raised in Flin Flon and moved out to Creighton in 2007. My husband and I have three kids that all attended Creighton Community School. I am a licensed practical nurse working in long-term care and public health. I wanted to run for school board to help provide the best curriculum and learning environment for our students.
Meredith Norman: I grew up in northern Saskatchewan, eventually making Denare Beach my home. I have worked in municipal government since 2009. I am currently the chief administrative officer for the Northern Village of Denare Beach. I have a strong understanding of legislative requirements, how governing boards work and the financial requirements required to run a town, which should translate to a school board.
Joleen Rossington: I am a wife and mother of two children at Creighton Community School. I have a diploma in business administration and work in accounts payable at Hudbay. We have had many teachers leave our school - I went to our last school board meeting to see what is going on and learned that you don’t know what is going on unless you are on the board. The current board had no younger representatives with children at the school. If I wanted to know and be part of making things better, I would need to join.
2. What are your top priorities as a candidate? How do you plan to accomplish them, if elected?
Anaka: My top priority is figuring out why we can’t retain proper staffing and trying to bring the curriculum to a higher level so our kids are better prepared once they attend college and university. If elected, I plan on accomplishing this by working with my fellow board members, parents and community.
Andrusiak: My priority is to become familiar with the division’s policies and procedures and to learn about the specific concerns and challenges that have been present up until now. It is important to identify issues as well as set goals.
Banting: Build on creating a better community within the school with inclusivity and communication. This can only be done by listening to concerns from teachers, support staff, students and their families and taking that information to make thoughtful and informed decisions to improve on those issues.
Clark: To make sure our students have all the necessary resources to fulfill the vision of our school. “Each student who enters our doors shall leave with abundant respect for self and other and the capability to meet the challenges of tomorrow.” To meet as a team with our new board members and put forward a plan with our director to work with the staff in our school’s vision.
Durette: With the changes and advancements in technology and education, I would like to see progress towards an inclusive school with a modern agenda.
Ferguson Anaka: My top priority is to help Creighton Community School continue to offer a great education to all students. Good governance and support for all staff and students should help accomplish this.
Gauthier: After surveying the Creighton students with the School Community Council last year, the students made it clear that they would like something to be done about bullying in our school. I would say this is definitely something I feel needs to be a priority, so that our students feel safe and heard. The best way to accomplish this would be education for staff and students, supported by an anti-bullying policy that we currently don’t have.
Hynes: Ensuring safe learning environments. I will advocate for health and safety protocols, including emergency preparedness plans, and implement anti-bullying programs to foster a safe, supportive environment for all. Fostering community engagement - I plan to establish workshops to involve parents and community members in discussions about health and educational needs and create partnerships with local organizations to support school initiatives. Supporting staff wellbeing - I will promote professional development in stress management and wellness.
Linnick: My top priorities include maximizing the amount of effective resources to improve the classroom environment and learning, fiscal responsibility, retention and recruitment of our educators, advocating for funding and ensuring a happy and healthy school environment. I will accomplish this by being student-focused, demonstrating a commitment to supporting a board of education that functions well and is efficient, taking initiative and fostering strong relationships.
McLean: My top priority is to help determine the best choices for use of our funding to provide the best education possible for our students. I can bring forth the residents of Creighton's concerns to be addressed at the meetings and also, to look at any additional funding we could apply for.
Norman: My top priorities are to ensure the students have a safe place to attend school and be leaders in our community, to recruit staff and supports for our school and ensure staff is provided training opportunities and are supported by the board.
Rossington: To learn what our schools’ issues are and to work with our school’s director to help resolve them. Teacher retention and workplace satisfaction are key foundations to a happy and successful school.
3. What changes in policy would you want to bring to school board, if elected?
Anaka: If elected, I can’t say there’s any one policy that I’d like to change. It’s about listening to what’s in place now and what changes would be best to make for our community.
Andrusiak: I am sure there will be a policy review once the new board is established and if changes are needed they will be made then. Time will be needed to become familiar with policy and procedures of the division.
Banting: Policies are put in place as a solution to a problem or to achieve a wanted goal, but how often are they reviewed and updated? All policies should be looked at and revised to ensure their relevancy in modern times.
Clark: Keep advocating for education. Students first.
Durette: The policy system is quite intricate and would need to be adjusted to suit the needs of a modern agenda. Many schools are moving towards systems that use blocking systems, as one example.
Ferguson Anaka: Policy is something that is continuously being reviewed and developed as needed or as directed by the province. I do not believe that there are any changes necessary at the moment.
Gauthier: I think updating and reviewing our policies would be a good first step to change. After a solid review, we can implement some change where needed.
Hynes: (note: the candidate did not supply an answer to this question)
Linnick: All policies require careful review and understanding before making any needed changes. This requires working collaboratively with all stakeholders. Reviewing whether an anti-bullying policy is required separately or more specifically included within the anti-harassment policy is one that comes to mind, along wiht preparedness for safety and violent incidents and any current policies regarding inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility.
McLean: I am not currently knowledgeable with all the school policies, but will look into them in detail if elected and see what changes might be considered.
Norman: Many policies on file with the Creighton School Division are required by the Education Act, 1995. It is important to ensure policies are updated as required and ensure policies are being adhered to and the parents and students are aware of the policies in place.
Rossington: I would like to see a separate no bullying policy, with actionable steps to mediate issues.
4. What do you know about the duties and responsibilities school trustees have?
Anaka: I know what I have read. I am eager to learn all I need to if I’m elected.
Andrusiak: School trustees should align the school division’s policies, budget and staffing with the division’s vision and mission statements.
Banting: Trustees have a great responsibility to guide the school in the direction that suits the vision of the school with an education plan and budget that puts students first.
Clark: To put needs of our students first. A school trustee is part of a team who work together. To listen to our community concerns and approve a school budget. Being a long-time board member and chair, the duties and responsibilities are well-known.
Durette: Board of Education and Conseil Scolaire Fransakois (CSF) are local governments and have legislative authority to govern the education services provided to the students. Trustees have to hire and direct the director of education, approve the budget, approve the program of studies, determine the facility plans and appoint qualified teachers. Trustees are expected to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the organization and exercise the care, diligence, and skill of a reasonably prudent person.
Ferguson Anaka: I have been a member of the Creighton school board for eight years, the last two years as chairperson. I believe I have a strong understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a trustee.
Gauthier: The trustees use governance to direct the school division. They are responsible for ensuring staff are sticking to the education plan that matches our unique community’s vision, all the while staying within our annual budget.
Hynes: School trustees have key roles in shaping the educational landscape, including policy development, budget oversight, strategic planning, community engagement, advocacy, monitoring student achievement and promoting equity.
Linnick: School board trustees must be committed and accountable to the students, educators, families and public. They need to be open-minded, objective, respectful and effective in the governance of the school division they are entrusted to. They do this through planning, implementing and overseeing policies and bylaws, annual budget and reports, resources, student academic progress, physical structures of the school and overseeing the director of education. They should genuinely support the mission and vision of the Creighton School Division.
McLean: The duties and responsibilities of school board members are to meet and make decisions that will better the education for the students, the staff, the school and the community of Creighton.
Norman: A school trustee should be fiscally responsible to the school and ensure the best outcome for all money spent. The board members should regularly attend board meetings, engage with the public, promote public attendance at the board meetings, listen to concerns presented and give proper thought to those concerns, set a meeting schedule for the board meetings and also ensure the public is aware of the opportunities to speak at the meetings.
Rossington: A trustee plans out the schools’ priorities, vision and educational plan and the annual budget.
5. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing northern education?
Anaka: I think the biggest issues facing northern education are access to teachers wanting to live here, access to further education for our teachers and the ability to have a larger course selection for our high school students due to the small amount of students we have.
Andrusiak: There is a lack of understanding with regards to the increasing number and degree of diversities, both intellectual and behavioral, that are present in classrooms today. Also, attracting and retaining staff are issues that require attention.
Banting: Northern communities, while beautiful to live in, will have the same vital issues - funding, recruitment/retention of qualified teachers, distance barriers and resources that are needed to reach each child who doesn’t fit into the same box.
Clark: Our special needs, French programming, having special services come to our school. Contact with sports, which is always distant travel and inexpensive.
Durette: Adapting to modern technology and having the resources to accommodate these advancements in our school system.
Ferguson Anaka: One of the biggest issues for me is distance. Being far from other school divisions and major cities makes it harder to attract new teachers. Sports teams and other groups have long distances to travel for events. It is difficult to share resources such as physical and occupational therapists. Even though we are a short distance from Flin Flon, the border makes it impossible to share with them.
Gauthier: Recruiting staff and providing quality programs that equate to or exceed what is offered in larger urban centres.
Hynes: Northern education in Canada faces significant challenges, including access to quality education (limited resources and qualified teachers hinder student achievement), Indigenous education, high dropout rates, mental health and teacher recruitment and retention.
Linnick: I feel the biggest issues are having enough resources to meet the complex needs of the school as a whole, transitioning to post-secondary education, training and or employment while ensuring adequate life skills, retention and recruitment of the best educators possible and the mental health of students, educators, families and community.
McLean: I feel the biggest issue facing education in the north is the amount of resources available to the school and the students. There is a lack of funding with higher costs and we struggle to find teachers that will stay in our community. Therefore, we may have to have split grade classes to accommodate our students.
Norman: The biggest challenge facing northern education is recruiting teachers and staff. For the students, a challenge in northern education is low graduation and literacy rates.
Rossington: In the north, we have different issues than the south, where most of the provisional decisions are made. Our location, our community size and our Aboriginal connection makes us unique compared to larger city centres.
6. What long-term priorities do you feel the Creighton School Division needs to have?
Anaka: Retaining staff, having more support staff and improving our curriculum.
Andrusiak: Some priorities to focus on would be to maximize all student success by creating a safe and supportive school culture. Giving all students and staff the tools and resources that are necessary for their mental health and well being is crucial. It is also important to provide staff with the necessary supports which will in turn foster a successful learning environment where students can thrive.
Banting: A long-term priority I would like to see is community. The school board needs to support our teachers and students. Every child is unique and cannot all be reached the same way in learning. That is a lot of extra work for our teachers, so they absolutely need support from the board to help obtain that goal so our students are reaching their best potential.
Clark: Having the ability to include important subjects such as French, Cree and music (band) added to present curriculum. Our present Industrial Arts subject is important, which we are able to offer. Approaching the Saskatchewan government for funding for subjects, teachers, etc. to enable us to have other subjects available would be a long-term priority.
Durette: Creating a safe environment with an inclusive learning structure is my top priority.
Ferguson Anaka: Creighton School Division, along with all other divisions in the province, needs to continually lobby the government for increased funding so we can better address such things as classroom size and complexity.
Gauthier: Retention and engagement from staff and students. Encourage community involvement through transparency and collaboration.
Hynes: Professional development for staff - invest in ongoing training for our educators that focuses on culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices and innovative instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of our students. Teacher recruitment and retention - attract and retain qualified educators by creating a safe working environment, offering professional development, building support networks, and providing incentives for northern communities, fostering long-term commitment and benefiting our students and community.
Linnick: I believe the mission and vision of Creighton School Division guides the long-term priorities for the school. Every individual priority we set as a board along the way needs to revolve around our students to accomplish this. If we are not continually striving to achieve our mission and vision, then we are not doing the job we were elected to do.
McLean: Long-term priorities I think Creighton Community School needs to have is to keep finding qualified staff to come to the community, apply for grants and to keep the children of our community engaged in learning.
Norman: The long-term goals for the Creighton School Division should be to ensure the students that enter the school graduate, feel safe while attending and are provided with opportunity to promote success in education and for the school staff, teachers, students and board members to work together to achieve those successes.
Rossington: With our community size potentially changing, we need to think ahead of how that will impact our school and plan ahead.
7. In some Canadian communities, school trustees and boards have called to have books, discussions or subjects either removed or disallowed from schools. What thoughts do you have on this subject?
Anaka: I strongly disagree with this. I believe that all literature is there to learn from. Learning from mistakes in the past is part of learning.
Andrusiak: School libraries can be organized in sections that are age appropriate and consideration can be made for curricular guidelines. Students should have access to reading materials that will increase empathy and understanding of the world they live in.
Banting: I disagree with this approach. Personal opinions would be a leading factor in these types of decisions, but they do not speak for the community as a whole. Students should never be blocked from learning. Sheltering them from the world can cause biased opinions that could affect or alter their minds in the future. Students should be given all the information to decide for themselves how they feel on certain issues without influence from the school board.
Clark: I believe it should be a discussion with the school admin and school trustees.
Durette: Learning techniques and resources need to be evaluated regularly to ensure we are providing our students with a modern curriculum.
Ferguson Anaka: I do not think it is the job of boards to decide what should or should not be taught in schools. That is the job of educators. The job of the board is to support those decisions.
Gauthier: I think censorship is a slippery slope and can easily get carried away to dangerous levels. It’s just as important that our society learns from books and opinions of the past so that we can have a point of reference for ideas of the future. Challenging ourselves to seek out opinions unlike our own is fundamental to the learning experience.
Hynes: While it’s essential to consider our community values and concerns, fostering an inclusive and diverse educational environment is key to preparing students for the complexities of the world. Keeping an open dialogue, respecting people’s different views and a focus on mental wellbeing can guide these discussions around sensitive subjects in our school division.
Linnick: Censorship of literature and sometimes parts of our history is a very sensitive subject. I don’t feel all concerning content should be removed or disallowed completely. Careful consideration for age appropriateness and access, nature and intent of subject matter and the opportunity for greater teaching points, guidance and understanding need to be carefully considered.
McLean: I believe it is our responsibility to make decisions on whether some changes need to be made to our current curriculum. if we feel the values do not align with the current culture.
Norman: I am not in favour of banning books, discussions or subjects. Parents should be involved in the discussions if they feel concern and can excuse their child from the class, but one should not dictate for all.
Rossington: I don’t think it should only be left up to a few to make these calls. There could be other ways to introduce those books into the school, like adjusting the grade introduced or an explanation before handing the book out. Teach on the issue why some have issues with the book.
8. What role do you feel French Immersion education should have within the division?
Anaka: I believe that French is great to have as an elective. If we are teaching another language in the division, I believe it should be Cree.
Andrusiak: It is important for students and families to have these opportunities and choices, especially in the north.
Banting: Creighton does not currently have French immersion. In the future with our changing demographic, that may be something we pursue to meet those needs.
Clark: Enabling students to improve their future endeavours.
Durette: English is the world’s most spoken language; therefore, it should be the education system's top priority. French and or Cree are excellent programs that offer our children diversity, and a basic understanding in the language should they choose to further their knowledge in university.
Ferguson Anaka: Creighton Community School does not have a large enough student population to support French Immersion. Students who desire to take French Immersion can be bused to Flin Flon.
Gauthier: Creighton School Division does not currently offer French Immersion education. I feel our efforts should be on the quality of the education we are currently providing first, before I would be open to discussing adding French Immersion.
Hynes: I feel French immersion plays an important role within the school division and having an option available for students and families is essential. Fostering cultural awareness with an understanding on different perspectives, a key to cognitive development including critical thinking and problem-solving skills that would benefit a student across all subjects.
Linnick: I feel currently the arrangement to have French Immersion education students attend Ecole McIssac School is the best way to offer programming and sufficient resources in a northern combined community setting for this group of students. A periodic review should be conducted to determine if this programming would be feasible to offer by our own school division.
McLean: I think French Immersion should be an option if the funding is available. If funding is not available, then there should be French or Cree classes started at a younger grade. I think the school division should be able to support whatever meets the needs of the population that surrounds us.
Norman: Creighton Community School currently supports placement of students in the French immersion program in Flin Flon. The program is reviewed annually according to the policy and can be implemented if required at Creighton Community School. Currently, I believe the program is working with the students attending French immersion in Flin Flon.
Rossington: I feel it is fine the way it is within our community, it is great to have some basic teaching, but the practicality of many ever using it in their future is low.
9. What role do you feel arts, music or physical education should have within the division?
Anaka: I believe that all three should have strong roles. Education isn’t just about academics, it’s about being able to express yourself through arts or music and learning to work with others by being part of a team.
Andrusiak: I believe that education should never be limited to strictly core subjects. Arts, music and physical education are all equally important and critical for learning. Student engagement is crucial and should never be exclusive of choices.
Banting: These types of programs are extremely important to have in order for students feel creative, express individuality and instil teamwork, social skills and improve mental health. Everyone who takes part should have the ability to participate equally amongst their peers.
Clark: Diverse subjects available to students within our school division are certainly important, in so far as helping them make choices about their future endeavours.
Durette: Allowing children to challenge their creativity through art, stimulate the right side of the brain through music and push their physical abilities in gym creates a balance with their mind, body and soul. These are not only important in school, but throughout our entire life.
Ferguson Anaka: I feel that arts, music and physical education are important to give a well rounded education. Students who do not excel in academics may excel in one of these other areas.
Gauthier: Creighton Community School has a robust physical education program, yet we are limited when it comes to arts and music. I feel it is important to have a balance between the arts and physical education programs so that we can be as inclusive as possible. It’s important that every student is given the opportunity to feel that they belong somewhere.
Hynes: I feel these roles play an important role within the school division, supporting emotional and physical development, fostering creativity, self-expression, building confidence, resilience and encouraging healthy life choices that play a vital role in personal development - supporting inclusivity and different perspectives while also giving students an outlet to daily stressors.
Linnick: These types of programs provide enrichment, education, wellbeing and health benefits for our students and communities. They are an important part of our curriculum and should continue.
McLean: I believe our school division should have arts, music and physical education because it would make for a more diverse and well-rounded education. Every child should have the opportunity to pick courses that interest them as it will make going to school more enjoyable and they will be more engaged in their learning.
Norman: I believe arts, music and physical education are all important to students. The arts and music programs are lacking at Creighton Community School. I would like to see more arts and music programs to support the programs already in place. For students that do not enjoy sports or physical activity, there is not much extracurricular opportunities for them.
Rossington: I feel strong that our kids need to explore all these fields and we should work on helping explain how these fields help themselves with their mental and emotional growth and coping skills.
10. What role do you feel adult or specialized education programs should have within the division?
Anaka: Unless they are taking place in the evenings, I don’t think they belong in the division. There are a lot of those programs offered in Flin Flon already and I don’t think that our school needs unnecessary adults in the school while our pre-K-12 students are there. It would be something I would absolutely look at if it was brought forward to occur in evenings.
Andrusiak: I would love to see more programs developed in these areas, as the need is on the rise.
Banting: I feel specialized classes would always be a bonus, it would depend on interest and securing teachers who would be a good fit for those positions. Adult education is currently handled by Northlands College, they do a great service with that and we do not need duplication within the community.
Clark: Specialized education currently exists, but not as much as it should be in our division. The role of adult education should be in an adult setting or college.
Durette: Education should be inclusive to all and the old statement “It’s never too late to go to school” summarizes it best.
Ferguson Anaka: Specialized education programs are a necessity in order to provide an appropriate education to all students, whatever their abilities may be. Adult education is currently not funded.
Gauthier: I think it’s important to support those individuals who are seeking to complete their high school diploma. Everyone deserves the chance to complete high school, so that they may have an opportunity to pursue higher education or to become productive members of our community.
Hynes: I feel adult education plays a vital role within our school division and/or community. Supporting families/adults can help positively impact their child’s learning and development, often motivating their children to value education. Specialized education programs can help support our diverse student populations, acknowledging that children may learn differently or need additional supports. Every child deserves to thrive within our school division.
Linnick: I feel the school division should be open-minded in considering any adult or specialized education programs that could be of benefit to our students and community in terms of support and education needs. Attracting more students to our school by offering more options can increase our enrollment and offer growth in many ways.
McLean: Specialized education is also important. We need to service all children within our community to the best of our abilities.
Norman: As for adult education, I believe Northlands College and Many Faces already provide opportunity for adults looking to compete their Grade 12. Creighton Community School is an education center for the youth of our community. Specialized learning opportunities can offer students an alternative method of learning that may be successful for them.
Rossington: I understand these all have costs and are more challenging to bring up here, but more smaller courses or instructors to do workshops can help inspire our kids to learn there is more out there.
11. There are many different candidates running for school board spots this year – what do you feel separates you from the pack and how do you feel about running in such a crowded field?
Anaka: I’m a realist, a good listener and ready to take on something new. I’m honestly very happy that there are so many people running. If that doesn’t scream change, I don’t know what does. I’m up against a really good group of people and I wish everyone good luck.
Andrusiak: To see so many incredible candidates running is such a positive for our community. I have been a part of the education system in many different capacities. I am a parent of three children as well as an employee of the neighbouring school division and have been for 16 years. I have previous school board and daycare board experience. Most importantly, I understand the growing needs that our education system faces as diverse challenges and needs become greater in our classrooms every day.
Banting: I feel that we are at a point where a changeover in the board is much needed after many dedicated years of past board members. All candidates would be great options, but I believe that candidates that have children that attend the school may be the best fit. Good luck to all candidates.
Clark: It is good to see so many candidates showing interest in running for school board. I feel my many years as a board member and board chair experience gives me excellent qualifications to become your board member for another four years.
Durette: The list of candidates this year is impressive and I am proud to throw my hat in the ring with such an excellent group of people. When we have so many people who care about the wellbeing of our children’s education, I feel like we have all already won. If elected, I will do my best to represent the importance of the majority to the best of my ability.
Ferguson Anaka: I feel my experience as a trustee, as well as having worked in a school, gives me something to offer that other candidates may not have. I think it is wonderful that there is so much interest in being a trustee this year, but the numbers are daunting.
Gauthier: I feel that I am a hard working, outspoken leader who is fair and amicable. I love working cooperatively and efficiently. I think having such a large group running this year speaks volumes to the change that our community is craving. I am excited to have this opportunity to learn and look forward to supporting the new board members whether I am elected or not.
Hynes: I feel that my variety of nursing experience over the years has allowed me to gain diverse knowledge in both health and developing connections with our community. This unique perspective benefits me in prioritizing student health, mental wellness and safety. I have a deep understanding of the importance of listening to diverse voices. My ability to emphasize helps me advocate effectively. I’m passionate about promoting equality and equity, especially those who face barriers to be successful.
Linnick: My life and career experiences as a health care professional, manager, volunteer, resident, leader and most importantly a parent could greatly benefit the Creighton School Division Board. I feel so much interest in becoming a school board trustee will provide residents voting a good choice of candidates with different backgrounds and points of view for good decision-making.
McLean: Multiple candidates running for school board is great for the voters. It gives voters options and it allows candidates to express why they are running. What separates myself from the pack is my compassion and commitment to the future of our school and students.
Norman: There are many great candidates running for the school board. It is great to see this much interest in our school and students. I believe I have the knowledge and understanding of a governing board structure, legislative requirements and the fiscal responsibility to our students.
Rossington: I am very excited to see a lot of interest in helping our school and wish more could be on the board. I have been involved in our Flin Flon and Creighton communities teaching figure skating and the Learn to Skate programs for many years. I have been on the Creighton daycare board for seven years.
12. In 30 words or less – what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
Anaka: If you vote for me, I will do my best to make Creighton School the school that you want to work at and you want your kids to attend.
Andrusiak: The success of the students in our school should always be top priority. There may be different opinions on how that process might look but working together and keeping open communication will help complete that goal.
Banting: There is currently an opportunity for growth and improvement within the board. Our students must have an environment that encourages them to grow in the best way possible - that starts with a motivated board.
Clark: I’m retired and have lots of time for meetings and travelling out of town to meetings with other boards and find out other ways to become a better trustee and improve our school division.
Durette: I am a hard worker, family-oriented, honest and a good listener. I want to be a voice for our children, help them get the best possible education and see them all succeed.
Ferguson Anaka: My knowledge and experience as a trustee gives me the ability to offer support and guidance to any new trustees, which I think would be important.
Gauthier: Be the change you seek in this world. Our community will only be as good as the people who are willing to get involved and that starts with your vote.
Hynes: Together, we can build a school system that nurtures academic success and overall wellbeing. Your vote is a vote for a thriving educational environment for our children and teachers.
Linnick: I will listen, ask questions, learn and take initiative for positive change. I genuinely care about the students and community.
McLean: I want to be part of a committee that encourages intellectual growth and helps shape our youth into critical thinkers in a diverse world.
Norman: My children attend the school, we love where we live and I would be grateful to represent our students on the board. I believe I have the experience to help.
Rossington: I have a vested interest in our school’s success. Our kids deserve a place to be safe and have opportunities to learn more. I love being part of our community’s growth.
13. What question or questions do you wish we would have asked?
Anaka: There aren’t any other questions I can think of that I would’ve wanted to answer.
Andrusiak: I just want to say good luck to everyone that is running.
Banting: (note: the candidate did not supply an answer to this question)
Clark: All good. Thank you to The Reminder for publishing the voice of board member candidates in our upcoming election. Good luck to all!!
Durette: (note: the candidate did not supply an answer to this question)
Ferguson Anaka: None that I can think of.
Gauthier: Nothing that I can think of. Thank you for the opportunity to share.
Hynes: What specific strategies would you propose to improve our vulnerable student’s attendance in our school, and how would you involve parents and the community in these efforts?
Linnick: I feel a good question for the candidates would be how they feel Creighton School Division could improve in the areas of inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility.
McLean: None.
Norman: (note: the candidate did not supply an answer to this question)
Rossington: What do you think our past board has done right? I think just showing up for our community is admirable. I understand that not all parts of being a member are easy, but standing up when no one else has is inspiring.
