Retired educator Ken Loehndorf says his 40 years of experience in Saskatchewan makes him a strong candidate for a trustee seat with the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ken Loehndorf hopes his experience in the education system will make him a strong candidate for the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board.
A retired educator, Loehndorf spent 40 years in various roles in Saskatchewan. He and his wife moved to Medicine Hat four years ago to be close to family.
Loehndorf began as a high school physical education teacher, during which he also spent a year as a provincial physical education consultant.
“Out of the 40 years of experience in education, 25 of that was experience in Catholic Education leadership. I spent 15 years as director of education of the Light of Christ Catholic School Division in North Battleford,” said Loehndorf. “I retired from that position and spent the last 10 years as executive director of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association, where I worked and supported all eight Catholic boards in the province.
“That was an interesting experience and I think it gives me a very strong background for the job of Catholic trustee here in Medicine Hat.”
Loehndorf says volunteer roles have been a big part of his life. He served as chairman of Catholic Family Services in North Battleford and president of Active Living Saskatchewan, among other things.
Loehndorf praised Medicine Hat Catholic School Division.
“The student achievement in this school division is among the highest in the province, so I’m certainly not running with anything in mind in particular to change … but I think it’s really important that we provide a wide variety of student supports,” said Loehndorf. “The mental health and well-being has to be a particular focus, especially during these challenging times.”
If elected, Loehndorf says he will work to learn the present priorities of the board so he can help to determine priorities in future years.
“Throughout my whole professional career I was always a strong advocate for students and student achievement, so I have a genuine desire to support all students in meeting their true potential in a well-rounded Catholic education,” he said. “I think it’s important that we look after all aspects; academic, spiritual, social, physical and emotional.”
