The trustees for the Prairie South School Division school board were the third section of the ballot during the municipal election this year, with numerous candidates seeking election alongside mayor and city hopefuls.
Representatives were elected for each of the six subdivisions in PSSD, with two candidates acclaimed as they were the only name put forward.
Six trustees have been re-elected in their subdivisions after election races with at least one other candidate. Three trustees will be new to the school board.
Here’s a summary of the winners, according to the unofficial election tallies:
Darcy Pryor secured re-election for Subdivision 1, representing areas including Craik, Eyebrow, Central Butte, Chaplin and Mortlach. Pryor received 340 votes, in comparison with opponent Wayne Miller who tallied 116 votes.
As a returning trustee, Pryor previously committed to remaining in touch with all communities to hear their specific concerns, in order to advocate for them.
Robert Bachman has been acclaimed for Subdivision 2, which includes Caronport, Moose Jaw, Rouleau and Avonlea. Bachman, who lives in Caronport, has been on the board of education since 2014. In his election bid, he listed his priorities as family engagement, equitable opportunities for all students, and a desire to promote innovative approaches to education to help students prepare for the future.
John Bumbac has been elected trustee for Subdivision 3, representing Mossbank and Assiniboia, after a recount confirmed his 308 votes edged him past opponent Sandra Jennet who received 284 votes.
With over 50 years of experience in education and serving on various other boards, Bumbac said he believes he will be a positive voice for rural schools to stay viable for the future.
Giselle Wilson of Coronach will also be returning as trustee through acclamation, representing Subdivision 4 including Bengough, Rockglen and Coronach. She has also been on the board since 2014, and says she is a strong supporter of rural education who believes that rural schools have resilience, strength and warmth.
Shawn Davidson has also been re-elected to represent Subdivision 5, including Gravelbourg, Kincaid, Lafleche, Mankota and Glentworth. Davidson received 190 votes, compared with opponent Bonnie Poirier totalling 68 votes.
Davidson has served on the Prairie South board since 2011 and intends to continue his advocacy for education, innovative programming and excellent school facilities with well-supported staff.
For Subdivision 6, at-large for Moose Jaw, Lew Young has been re-elected, receiving 1,782 votes alongside fellow returning trustee Mary Jukes who received 1,717 votes in her similar bid for re-election. The three other trustees joining Young and Jukes for this subdivision are Brett Hagan with 1,474 votes, Crystal Froese with 1,428 votes, Todd Johnson with 1,292 votes.
Falling short was Brian Martynook with 1,281 votes, Barry Stewart with 1,253 votes, Wendy Vincent with 1,003 votes, Gail Whitfield with 662 votes and Jan Pogorzelec (Rice) with 528 votes.
PSSD has now confirmed these results as of Nov. 12. The school board representatives will be sworn in at the next school board meeting on Nov. 17, at which time they will decide on a chair and vice-chair.
