Mandi Skogen is the new chair for the Northern Lights Public Schools board of trustees.
On Aug. 30, Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) announced that school board trustee Skogen was moving up in the ranks.
Skogen is currently serving her fourth year in her first term with the board, and said she is enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn the ropes with the help of such knowledgeable board members.
“This is the last 14 months of our term, so I thought if I wanted to get experience as board chair, this would be the perfect year to do it as there's so much knowledge in that room with me… I am really excited, it's a totally new adventure for me to do something this big as part of the board. I am most looking forward to learning more, and delving more into some of the governance issues.”
It was the upcoming election that pushed Skogen to put her name in for the role, as she may not have another opportunity to work with the same board members should any of them change come the October 2017 election.
As for her first meeting, Skogen said there were a few bumps along the way, but she is working hard to ensure that she taking the proper steps in order to guarantee things, such as motions, are done correctly.
“I fumbled a little bit, but as I said, the rest of the board is so good to work with, so I don't have any doubt that I will be able to succeed.”
There are no specific plans for this year, aside from “continuing board vision, and continuing to work with division staff and students,” as well as focusing on the mental health and well being of both staff and students within NLPS.
Skogen continued, “I'll get my feet wet, and hopefully there will be some new and exciting things coming out this year.”
Former board chair, Arlene Hrynyk, has been elected to sit as the vice-chair of the NLPS board. Although she had been nominated for chair, Hrynyk declined the request, referencing her position as president of the Public School Boards Association (PSBA) and the need for succession planning for NLPS.
“This just works out really well this year, because she will have more time to focus on her position as the PSBA president,” Skogen said, adding Hrynyk won't be required to split her time as much as if she were chair.
“It's been a wonderful journey with lots of learning,” Hrynyk said, adding she is enthusiastic about her new role, and looks forward to guiding Skogen through her first year as chair.
“Many exciting things are coming together for Northern Lights and I believe we have a winning team moving forward.”
Skogen said she is proud of her new role, and has her board members to thank for her confidence in her ability to perform.
“They have my back, and they are definitely going to be my biggest supporters… I am so proud of our administration, our teachers, our students and all of our staff. I can't wait to spend more time with them.”
