Nine names on the ballot for March 9 PSSD school board by-election

Prairie South School Division has announced the candidates for the March 9 school board by-election.

The Subdivision #6 by-election (City of Moose Jaw) will have nine names on the ballot looking to fill the vacant trustee position.

Those include Brian Martynook, Shelley Jones, Tony Dreger, Zachariah Bachmann, Karli Amundrud, Sommer Amare, Sandra Kitts, Patrick Boyle, and Bruce Fritzler.

Polling sites on March 9 will include Riverview Collegiate, Peacock Collegiate and Sunningdale School.

Mail-in ballots will also be accepted.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE STATEMENTS

BRIAN MARTYNOOK, PRO.DIR

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.

 

SHELLEY JONES

Shelley is passionate about agriculture, education and her community. Currently semi-retired from a career in agriculture and post-secondary education, she is self employed as a consultant and trainer.

Shelley served two terms as a trustee for the Moose Jaw Public School Division prior to the creation of Prairie South. She has considerable board governance experience and currently sits on the 4-H Canada Board of Directors. As a volunteer, Shelley supports fundraising campaigns and mentorship programs, most recently with STARS Field of Dreams and Saskatchewan Women in Ag.  She has been recognized as Moose Jaw Citizen of the Year and awarded a Canada 150 medal for her efforts.

Shelley grew up on a ranch near Crane Valley and has called Moose Jaw home for over 35 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and a Faculty Training Certificate from the University of Regina and SIAST.

 

TONY DREGER

For the past 15 years I’ve worked at Henderson Insurance as a Leader. Born and raised in Moose Jaw I have volunteered for many boards and events in the community. I served as city councilor from 2003-2006 and sat on many boards during that time.

In 2010 I was the Chair of the Saskatchewan Winter Games, held here in Moose Jaw, and sat on the Board of Directors for the 2014 Telus Cup. I’ve been on the Board of Directors for Moose Jaw Little League the past 18 years and have been Chair, the last 5 years. Coaching and mentoring youth is a passion of mine and I believe this is a great next step to continue helping youth in our community.

If nominated I look forward to adding value to our community and our children by providing a strong vision for the Prairie South Scholl Division.

 

ZACHARIAH BACHMANN

Zachariah Bachmann brings a youthful perspective and 5 years of experience working directly with Prairie South students through his roles at Briercrest Christian Academy and William Grayson School. Zach also has experience in team management and inclusive programming through his leadership role at Inclusion Moose Jaw.

These opportunities have allowed Zach to gain experience and perspective for the importance of advocating for students of various ages and ability levels within Prairie South School Division. He believes in acting as an authentic representative of the students and school staff that he has worked closely with.

Currently, Zach regularly engages with local organizations to help implement strategic plans and develop teams and leaders through his role at Golden West Broadcasting. Zach’s experiences within the school division and community have well equipped him to understand the social climate of Moose Jaw, and how it intersects with and influences our school’s daily operations, wellness, and direction.

 

KARLI AMUNDRUD

My name is Karli Amundrud. I was born in Davidson, SK and raised in Moose Jaw; attended King George Elementary School and graduated from Central Collegiate Institute in 2004.

I have 3 children enrolled with PSSD at varying stages of their education.

Each and every student is deserving of an exemplary education and to gain the knowledge and skills they need for success now and in the future. Teaching faculty, students, parents, and community members’ voices are necessary and needed to ensure that public education is strengthened, transparent, and accountable.

As a long time resident, former student of PSSD, a mother, and community member – I will bring a strong voice and fair representation for all to the board table.

 

SOMMER AMARE

Sommer Amare is a well-rounded individual with a passion for education and wellness. A graduate of Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw and Mount Royal University in Calgary, where she received a diploma in music, Sommer continued her education in Ethnobotany and now runs her own traditional herbal product business.

As a parent of two children in the Prairie South School Division and a member of the Student Community Council for the past six years, Sommer has been actively involved in developing programs to meet the needs of students and teachers. Her focus on mental and physical well­ being in education is especially important to her, especially in light of the recent challenges in the last three years. Sommer is committed to creating a supportive environment for teachers and students, and is determined to make a difference through her policies.

 

SANDRA KITTS

Born and raised in Moose Jaw, my professional career was with PSSD, where I served as a teacher-aide, teacher, school principal, superintendent of schools, and interim director during amalgamation of 40 schools.

I gained extensive experience and knowledge working with K-12 students, staff, board and communities in urban and rural settings throughout the school division.

As a superintendent, I attended and contributed to PSSD board meetings for eight years. Most recently, I completed board director positions, six years with Conexus Credit Union, and four years with U of Regina Alumni.

I was privileged to complete Bachelor, Master and Doctorate of Education degrees, with majors in organization leadership and curriculum. I’ve presented and consulted in several Canadian provinces and American states on school improvement.

Currently, I operate a small business, coaching and consulting with business leaders. I hold two international certifications: International Coaching Federation and Global Team Coaching Institute.

As a keen educator and learner , I appreciate the possible opportunity and responsibility to serve in this position.

 

PATRICK BOYLE

Patrick Boyle is a long-time Moose Jaw resident and former Moose Jaw City Councilor from 2012 to 2016. Patrick and his wife Alyssa have three children who are currently in the Prairie South School Division. Patrick is the Executive Director of Communications and Client Services for the Water Security Agency headquartered here in Moose Jaw. With over 20 years of communications and public engagement experience combined with working in the provincial and municipal government for 18 years, Patrick is best positioned to represent Moose Jaw residents as a trustee on the Prairie South School Division board. Patrick has also volunteered 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.

 

BRUCE FRITZLER

31-year teaching career (retired in 2020 as Principal of William Grayson School in Moose Jaw).
22 of those years were as an In-School Administrator in five schools in PSS #210.
Since Fall 2020 employed as a part-time Sessional Instructor and Sessional Supervisor with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina.
While a school administrator served on various committees within the school division such as teacher wellness, teacher and admin professional development, admin Pre-K to 8 cluster lead, and teacher supervision.
Committed to enabling and supporting all students and staff in our schools/educational institutions.
Is an open and transparent communicator with progressive values and principles.
Believes in responsibility and integrity of education community.
Ability to work with others and promote governance and procedural fairness and accountability.
 “Excellence in education is when we do everything that we can to make sure they become everything that they can” —Carol Tomlinson