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Board to hold by-election for vacant seat

Wed, 27 May, 2015

News Item: Edmonton Public School Board to hold by-election for vacant seat

The Board of Trustees voted in favour of holding a by-election this fall to fill the seat left vacant by the former board chair, who was elected as an MLA in the recent provincial election. Voters in Ward G will tentatively head to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“This ensures voters in Ward G have a voice on important education issues like enrolment growth and new schools,” said Board Chair Michael Janz. “Holding the by-election is a way to show our commitment to democracy and engaging the community.”

He encouraged citizens interested in becoming a trustee to either contact him directly or another board member to find out what’s all involved in being a public school board member. Board Chair Janz said it’s a rewarding way to get involved in the community and make a real difference.

The Edmonton Public School Board is nearly half-way through its four-year mandate; the next municipal elections in Alberta are in late 2017. Trustees represent nine wards throughout Edmonton.

Former Board Chair Sarah Hoffman officially resigned from the school board earlier this month. On the weekend, she was sworn in as the provincial Minister of Health and Seniors. Hoffman had taken a leave of absence from her board role during the provincial campaign.  Former Vice-Chair Michael Janz has been the Board Chair since Hoffman left.

In other board news, Trustees congratulated Karly Hildebrandt, a Grade 3 teacher at Michael Strembitsky School who recently won an Edwin Parr Award. The provincial teaching awards, handed out by the Alberta School Boards Association, honours first-year teachers who demonstrate excellence. School districts in the province select nominees for these awards, then just seven winners are chosen across Alberta. Hildebrandt was one of the two winners for Zone 2/3. She was recognized for her using her creativity and technology to find ways to engage students with learning challenges. ‌

Edwin Parr Award winner Karly Hildebrandt