Nearly 30 years of Mary Anne Penner's life has been dedicated to Catholic education, and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
In 1988, Penner ran for the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) board of trustees. After being accepted, she started her long journey with the Catholic education system.
“I do it because I'm interested in education to begin with and because I feel as though I contribute to education within our community by ensuring we have the best education for our students,” expressed Penner.
Over the years, she has watched as technology has changed, impacting the way students learn and teachers teach.
“The use of technology is probably one of the biggest changes that has taken place. Over the years, we've seen our district bring computers into play within our schools to the point where we're almost one-to-one with technology within the district, from having computer labs to having laptops and students bringing in their own devices for them to use. There has been a tremendous amount of changes,” she said.
Although the way they teach their students has changed, their mindset on the importance of a strong Catholic education remains unwavering.
Penner will once again be running for one of the spots on the board of trustees in the fall election. Should the position of board chair be offered, she would gratefully accept.
“To me, being a Catholic trustee is a vocation. It's not a job that you pick-up for a few years and then drop it and move on. That time will come I'm sure, but as a vocation, I feel that it's a part of discerning where I'm supposed to be, where God wants me to be, and what He wants me to do with the time He has given me here on earth. I think that's what it's all about,” she said.
Time and time again, Penner has proven that she is here to stay.
“I have always enjoyed being a trustee, I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't enjoy it and didn't feel that I was bringing value to the board. I think that I have a long history with this board, and I have seen many changes within the district.”
Those changes include modernizations, staffing, and technology. But one thing that hasn't changed in her mind is the importance of keeping parents and community members involved in their students' education.
Penner said she would often listen and answer questions, learning all she can from the people who have elected her.
“It's a leadership role that makes me responsible to not only the people who have elected me, but to the government that directs us in the education of our students in our system, and also within the guidelines of our Catholic church,” expressed Penner.
As the world continues to change, LCSD has modified its ways to meet the needs of their students.
Penner said moving forward, she would like to see the board continue on its path, working with an open mind and an open heart.
“I hope our board will be a well-rounded board that has a vision for the future. All students are important, all are unique, and all are gifted in one way or another. I hope that we as a district will be able to provide the supports, resources, and opportunities that these students need in order to succeed.”
She continued, “I think as a school district one of the main things we have to do is provide the opportunities for students to become all that they are meant to be.”
Penner believes her faith has guided her to her role as board chair, and she hopes that she can continue to provide her schools, staff, and students with the leadership they need to flourish.
