Mandi Skogen is starting to get the swing of things on the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board.
She is hoping that her learning curve will continue into a second term, as the school board elections approach in the fall.
“I'm hoping to keep going because I feel like now I have my feet under me, and I'm comfortable with what the board is meant for and what we're doing for our staff and students in the area,” explained Skogen.
Although this was her first term with the school board, she quickly made her way up the ranks. After just three years of serving NLPS, she was nominated for the position of board chair. This shuffle in leadership came after Arlene Hrynyk announced she was stepping down.
Skogen is hoping to once again be nominated for the position of chair, so she can continue to be the voice for the public education community.
Prior to running for trustee, Skogen had little knowledge of what the school board did. It wasn't until someone had approached her and told her she would be a good fit that she ever even considered the possibility.
“I'm really grateful that person did tap me on the shoulder, because it's been such a rewarding experience being able to see what's going on in our schools, understand what and why decisions are made for our division, and being a part of those decisions has been a pretty cool opportunity,” Skogen said.
Since signing on, Skogen has been a part of some significant strides NLPS has made. One of her personal favourites was something she considered a safety concern within the schools.
Skogen wanted to see Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines in every school.
“I'm very happy that has finally come, and that we've been able to accomplish that goal. It basically comes down to student safety,” she said.
Another big step was the completion of Cold Lake Elementary School, the upcoming modernization of Bonnyville Centralized High School, and working with a new government to ensure students are getting the proper education across the region.
For Skogen, there was a significant difference between her roles as a trustee and board chair.
She said, “Being a trustee, you get a chance to look through the information, ask questions, and voice your opinion. I found being the chair was a little bit of a different position because you really are speaking for the corporate board. I really couldn't let my personal feelings on certain subjects through because I have to speak for the whole board, not just myself.”
Having a voice for all within NLPS is key. Skogen believes it's important to keep the parent voice alive within the NLPS board. She encourages anyone considering of running to give it a shot.
“I would like to see more parents on the board because they're invested. I do think that the board needs to have a good mix of community people. That includes business people, people who work for other companies, retired administrators… That was one of the issues I had first coming in, was I hadn't been involved in the education industry. I really had to rely on them (the board) to understand some of the whys behind some of the history,” Skogen expressed.
Skogen wanted to remind those considering running for a position on the baord that it's about the bigger picture.
“They have to realize that you can't have personal agendas. You really need to see what's put in front of you and make the best decisions you can at the time with the information that you have.”
Being a part of the board has forced Skogen to step into a world she may not have otherwise. As someone without an educational background, being a part of NLPS has changed her way of viewing some of the decisions made before her time on the board.
“It really means I get to step out of my own zone and think in a bigger way. I have to look at what's best for the division as a whole,” she said.
