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Candidate breakdown: Everybody operating for Regina Public Colleges board

By Frank C. Bonner

  1. Regina Votes
  2. Local News

Sixteen candidates are competing for the seven trustee seats that make up the Regina Public Schools board of education as Regina residents head to the polls on Nov. 9.

Author of the article:

Lynn Giesbrecht

Publishing date:

Oct 13, 2020 • October 13, 2020 • 4 minute read • Join the conversation The sign in front of Regina's public school board office on 4th Avenue. The sign in front of Regina’s public school board office on 4th Avenue. Photo by Brandon Harder /jpg

Sixteen candidates are competing for the seven trustee seats that make up the Regina Public Schools board of education as Regina residents head to the polls on Nov. 9.

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Current chairperson Katherine Gagne is not running for re-election as a trustee, and is now running for a city councillor in Ward 9. Trustee Aleana Young is also not running again as a trustee, and has moved on to provincial politics, running as the Saskatchewan NDP for Regina University.

The board members seeking re-election are Adam Hicks, Cindy Anderson, Tanya Foster and Jay Kasperski.

Here is a breakdown of the candidates in each subdivision:

Subdivision 1

Sarah Haidey has been chair of a school community council (SCC) for the last eight years and is hoping to continue serving the city’s schools on a broader level on the division’s board. She promises to bring the voice of her subdivision to the board.

Ted Jaleta is retired and an active parent and community volunteer. He is committed to advocating for education, combatting racism and bullying, inclusivity and supporting newcomers and those with special needs.

Subdivision 2

Greta Lange has taught English as an Additional Language at the U of R, Luther High School and the Bridging to Employment Program in Regina. For the last 12 years she has also volunteered as a school community council member and chair. She has children in Regina Public elementary and high schools, and is focused on supporting students with intensive needs and helping each student reach their full potential.

John Lax holds a master’s degree in social and political thought and is a parent with previous board leadership and governance experience. Since 2016 he has volunteered with the Regina Food Bank, first as a member on its board governance committee and then on the board of directors. He is committed to making sure each student has access to fair, safe and quality education.

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Cecilia Prokop is a parent and co-ordinator of a before and after school program. With the hope of seeing schools become safer, stronger and more inclusive, she is focused on reducing class sizes and advocating for more government funding. She is also committed to supporting vulnerable students and creating more in-person supports and specialized programming.

Elizabeth Strom has volunteered in schools across the city for Junior Achievement in Saskatchewan and has four children. She has also volunteered as a community soccer and volleyball coach and as chair of the Regina Canada Day committee. Strom promises to prioritize student success, make sure students have access to the technology they need and manage finances in a sustainable manner.

Subdivision 3

Evangeline Godron is an activist for civil and human rights and is a supporter of health, education, diversity and the environment.

Adam Hicks has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and years of experience in leadership and management positions. As a father of two, Hicks is committed to safe and inclusive schools, board transparency, focusing on the environment, understanding the needs of staff and students and maximizing funds to support classrooms.

Subdivision 4

Cindy Anderson is a health care worker and has worked with the Saskatchewan School Board and Saskatchewan Cancer Clinic promoting health and wellness. She promises to advocate for equality, sound fiscal decisions, environmentally friendly school communities and supporting staff and students.

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Stephen Safinuk is an IT professional, mental health advocate and father of three. He promises to improve mental health awareness and programs in schools, address infrastructure problems and advocate for smaller class sizes.

Subdivision 5

Sarah Cummings Truszkowski is a teacher with a master’s degree in education. She has been a member of Connaught’s school community council for nearly a decade and has three children. Cummings Truszkowski is committed to reconciliation, the environment and inclusivity, and promises to work toward making schools safer, stronger and more inclusive.

Tanya Foster has a master’s degree in creative writing and English and is a former Regina Public school teacher and English instructor at the U of R. Tanya is focused on building a strong and equitable education system, adapting to changing student needs and new technology, and advocating for more investments in early childhood learning.

Subdivision 6

Shannon Lutzer has been a youth worker for more than 20 years, working to support at risk and vulnerable youth. The mother of four is committed to board accountability, advocating for student supports and making sure each school is a place of community.

Tara Molson is currently the senior director of community programs and childcare with YWCA Regina and has been working with children and families for more than 20 years. Molson promises to work toward safer spaces for students, equitable funding and resource distribution and positive work environments.

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Subdivision 7

Jay Kasperski has a bachelor of arts and a business administration diploma. The father of two is involved on a number of local boards and is committed to fiscal responsibility, board transparency and building up the supports and resources in school for students with special needs​

Lacey Weekes is an environmental educator with Nature Saskatchewan and has worked with many teachers across Regina. She has volunteered on the Regina Care Share Co-operative board of directors for the last seven years and has three children. Weekes is focused on providing students with more outdoor opportunities, advocating for smaller class sizes, more support staff. She also plans to continue work on reconciliation, diversity and inclusion in schools.

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