School Board Trustee Election Fall 2024

Rev. Cheryl Toth prepared this handout and shared it with our congregation on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Don't forget to vote on Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

Background: This information is drawn from a Leader-Post story by Larissa Kurz. There are total of 30 candidates running for the 14 trustee positions. Election day is November 13. Full story at https://leaderpost.com/news/leaderpost.com/news/local-news/city-hall/whos-running-in-regina-school-board-elections-this-fall .

The Regina Civic Awareness Action Network (RCAAN), is a group that formed to oppose a 2021 city council motion to ban conversion therapy. The motion passed, but RCAAN has continued to encourage its membership to organize and “drive change in governmental policies, practices & elected officials.” They are opposed to the full inclusion of trans students. To support trans students, do not vote for anyone they support! Vote instead for underlined candidates.

Regina Public School Board

Subdivision 1

Ted Jaleta is seeking re-election for a second term. First elected in 2020 he wants to advocate for predictable funding and solutions to overcrowding; better governance structure and additional classroom supports like speech pathologists and counsellors.

Kelly Bond is challenging Jaleta. Bond cites her key priorities as education “fundamentals,” board transparency and “respecting parental involvement in their children’s education and health care decisions.” Bond has been endorsed by RCAAN.

Subdivision 2

Tracey McMurchy is running for the second time. She was first elected in a 2022 by-election. A chartered professional accountant, she has focused on advocacy for low-income families and addressing discrimination inside the school system.

Jason Agar, an elementary teacher with Regina Catholic, wants to use his classroom experience to advocate on class sizes, funding levels and student needs.

Carla Taylor-Brown feels “parents need greater participation” in education and students need to “free of conflict between home and school.” Brown has been endorsed by RCAAN.

Kale MacLellan wants to push for per-student funding to return to national high levels, inclusive schools and investment in Indigenous land-based learning, after-school programs and food initiatives. She has been endorsed by the Regina & District Labour Council.

Subdivision 3

Adam Hicks is seeking re-election for a third term. He was elected first in 2016. He says he stands for “safe and inclusive schools where all students and staff excel” and points to his record of connection all staff, students, parents and community on issues impacting schools.

Mandeep Sinhmar says she “firmly believes in the importance of parental rights” and in improving academic achievement and existing shortcomings in schools. She is endorsed by RCAAN.

Subdivision 4

Cindy Anderson is seeking another term. She was first elected in 2009. She says she will advocate for increased funding to improve existing programs and crumbling infrastructure.

Tolu Folarin wants to focus on truth and reconciliation, equity and inclusion, accountability and mental health and well-being.

Tracy Sparrowhawk  focuses on “directing education to core educational skills”, fiscal management and “ensuring parents’ concerns are heard and addressed.” She is endorsed by RCAAN.

Subdivision 5

Sarah Cummings Truszkowski, first elected in 2020, wants to return as trustee. She promises to continue advocating for “inclusive public education” and “safe, equitable and engaging schools.”

Lee Harding, journalist and former Sask. Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, supports smaller classes and “parental rights in education regarding pronouns.” He is endorsed by RCAAN.

Subdivision 6

The previous incumbent, Tara Molson, is not running. There are four candidates.

Brandon Shea Mutala says he will work to address underfunding, classroom size and complexity and increased violence in schools. He has been endorsed by Regina & District Labour Council.

Douglas Armbruster pledges to push for solutions to the same issues and well as lagging literacy and math levels. He is endorsed by RCAAN although his website shows no explicit affiliation.

Laura Luby promised to prioritize inclusive policy, academic excellence, safe schools and “support for parents and teachers.”

Mohammad Z. Hasan says he would prioritize responsible board management and student success.

Subdivision 7

Lacey Weekes is seeking re-election for a second term. Weeks supports environmental education, increased land-based learning, mental health support and early language support.

Lise Merle wants “traditional academic excellence, robust parental involvement and comprehensive student supports. She is endorsed by RCAAN.

Regina Catholic Schools

There is a slate of 11 candidates running for seven available positions on the school board.

Trustees hoping to return are Darren Wilcox, Rob Bresciani, Ryan Bast, Robert Kowalchuk, Shauna Weninger and Vicky Bonnell. All want voters to re-elect them to continue advocacy work for more funding and protecting Catholic education.

New candidates are:

Bernard Wenga Ntcheping wants education that is “inclusive and open to all diverse components.”

Greg Fischer wants “better classroom for our kids and those who help them learn.”

Jeannine Whitehouse wants “inclusive and culturally responsive education.”

Kelly Miller wants restored per-student funding, address class size and complexity, a provincial food program and a full-time kindergarten program.

Melanie McKay wants to be a voice for students, teachers and families. She has a background in Indigenous education and culturally inclusive practices.