Prairie Rose will have somewhat of a new look
By Tim Kalinowski on September 15, 2017.
tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal All Prairie Rose School Division incumbent trustees, with the exceptions of Lucille Hertz, who is still undecided, and Kathy Cooper, who passed away in August, confirmed this week they will be running in the school board election on Oct. 16. Stuart Angle Bow Island/ Burdett trustee Stuart Angle currently serves as chair for the PRSD Board of Trustees. This is Angle’s 10th year serving on the school board. Angle says he is excited about working with a relatively new team of trustees and with a new generation of administration staff at PRSD. “It’s an exciting time,” said Angle. “I felt I really wanted to run again, and part of that … I would just like to say to my voters please vote for me. I have a voice of experience.” Arnold Frank Redcliff/Jenner/ Ralston trustee Arnold Frank has been a school board trustee with PRSD for the past 16 years. Frank is one of the more outspoken trustees on the board. With the public education system getting more complex all the time, Frank says his experience is an asset as the board seeks to adapt its policies to these complexities going forward. “I still have unfinished accomplishments,” said Frank. “I think there are things we can do which are imperative, and I think it is important to stay engaged. I feel very strongly about being the best representative I can be for my community. Graeme Dennis Seven Persons trustee Graeme Dennis has served on the PRSD Board of Trustees for 13 years. He said he always tries to put the needs of students first in his decision making, and he wants to be part of the board to see the initiatives they have started the past four years continue to improve the lives of all students. “We have a lot of work to do with this school division,” said Dennis. “I am excited to carry on with our literacy, numeracy and health and wellness programs we have put in place … To all my voters, I want to say thank you for supporting me and I hope I am doing they job they require of me.” Cathy Hogg First-term Schuler, Irvine and Eagle Butte trustee Cathy Hogg is seeking re-election this October. She said while her first term represented a steep learning curve for her, she is a proud of what she and her fellow board members have accomplished these past four years. “Being a trustee has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life,” stated Hogg. “I am really passionate about the work we are doing here at Prairie Rose and provincially. I feel like my first term was about learning the role, and now I owe it back to my constituents to put that learning to work. I am proud of this board, and I am proud about how we, at the end of the day, can come together for the sake of our kids.” Pam Cursons Redcliff/Jenner/ Ralston trustee Pam Cursons was acclaimed in the 2017 spring byelection after longtime trustee Bob Wickens stepped down in January. She is running for re-election in October. Cursons said she feels the past six months on the board have been rewarding, and she would like to continue to represent her area. “There was an extreme learning curve, and have had the opportunity now to have some exposure,” said Cursons. “I believe the work is important and I want to advocate for children, and ensure all Prairie Rose children have equal access to the programs and get what they need to become successful learners.” Lois Bedwell New Brigden/ Oyen trustee Lois Bedwell was one of two trustees elected in her area in the by-election this spring. Bedwell, who served as town alderwoman in Oyen prior to becoming a trustee, said her previous experience in politics have served her well these past six months on the school board, and she hopes voters will re-elect her to a full term on Oct. 16. “I feel I have some contributions I’d like to make toward education and for our community so we are going to go through the election process again,” she said. “I have enjoyed every minute I have been here … I want to say to people in my home area to get out and vote and if you have any issues contact either myself or Lucille Hertz, the two trustees from our area.” Lucille Hertz New Brigden/ Oyen trustee Lucille Hertz was also elected in the spring byelection to fill one of two vacant seats in her area. Hertz, who is a New Brigden resident with a passion for keeping her hometown school open, said she is not sure she will run again in this October’s school board election. “I haven’t quite decided yet,” said Hertz after Tuesday’s PRSD public board meeting. “Being a trustee has been a wonderful experience, and a real learning experience. It has been great.” 24
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