Official Results Released; PRSD Board Sees Shake-up for New Term

The official results of the Municipal Elections were released today right across the Peace and Mackenzie regions.

PRSD Board Chairperson Darren Kuester was re-elected to a fourth term as Trustee for Ward 3. (Photo/PRSD)

Over in the Peace River School Division (PRSD), there will be some shake-up on the Board of Trustees.

“We knew we would have several new faces, as we had several long-standing trustees who have stepped down,” Board Chairperson Darren Kuester told the Trending 55 Newsroom. “It’s going to be an interesting time for the first little while here, and I’m excited to get to know the new board, and move things forward.”

Kuester, who was re-elected easily to his fourth term in Ward Three, is one of just two incumbents who will be returning to the Board for the 2017-21 term. The other one is Delainah Velichka, who was re-elected convincingly in Ward Seven for a second full term.

The only other incumbent running, Carmen Johnson, was defeated in Ward Five by newcomer Lori Suzanne Leitch. Leitch received 238 votes, while Johnson got 137.

Robyn Robertson is one of five new Trustees joining the PRSD board during this term. (Photo/PRSD)

One other area did have a race going on. In Ward Two, Crystal Owens narrowly defeated Wendy Goulet by 20 votes in a competitive race. Owens received 181 votes, while Goulet got 161. This seat had been vacant since Bryan Imray stepped down in February 2017.

The other three areas all saw their candidates get in by acclamation. In Ward One, Christopher Jeremy Schneider succeeds Sherry Crawford, while Frederick Gordon Churchman takes over from long-time veteran and outgoing vice-chairperson Louise Woroniuk. Newcomer Robyn Robertson was acclaimed in Ward Six.

On the PRSD Website, Robertson says she believes her experience is the most important quality she brings to her new role.

“I have over 13 years of educational experience on multiple levels,” Robertson said. “They include for home-education, independent school administration, and teaching overseas. My experience provides me with a unique, open-minded perspective, which will help inform me in this role.”

Robertson fills the spot left vacant by the retirement of Nan Bartlett. Bartlett had also served as Board Chairperson during the 2010-13 term.

Each of the 2017-21 Trustees will be sworn in before the start of their organization meeting on October 31, 2017.

– Posted by BET