Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) board of trustees had a successful nomination day with a slight extension to Sept. 21.
The board managed to acclaim all of their respective wards.
“It's wonderful that we have our board and that they are all declared elected by acclimation,” said LCSD communications officer Amanda Wildman. “We have representation for all of our wards, and that's just wonderful.”
Seven seats were up for grabs. Previous trustees snatched up the first six, leaving a not-so-new face to LCSD to take the seventh.
Larry Gamache is new to the board, but is not new to the education world.
LCSD Superintendent Joe Arruda said Gamache was a substitute teacher for the school district, and will help balance the board of trustees well.
“I think that's critical. It's always good to have a variety of experience in our school trustees,” Arruda said. “We like to balance their backgrounds. It's obviously critical that they have a background in education, but it's also critical that they represent all parents.”
For the next four-years, Margaret Borders, Vincent MacDonald, and Diane Bauer will represent the Bonnyville and area. Bauer, like Gamache, is not new to LCSD. At the end of the 2016/17 school year, Bauer stepped down from her position as assistant superintendent.
Also well known to the community are the trustees for Ward 2. Mary Anne Penner, who is the current chair for the school board, Vicky Lefebvre, and the new addition to the team Gamache, will represent the Cold Lake schools and parents.
Lac La Biche will also have a familiar face, with Colette Zahar acclaimed on their behalf.
“We have trustees who are former bankers, some have a background in education, library sciences, administration, and some are home-makers. It's always great to have a variety of backgrounds and talents,” noted Arruda.
Wildman agreed, “I think it brings a diversity of points to important issues we are considering in regards to education.”
Because trustees all have a place on the board, there will not be an election. Instead, board members will be sworn in during an organizational meeting in October.
“During that meeting we select the chair, vice chair, and also which trustees will serve on the committees of the school board,” Arruda explained.
