2024 School Board Elections
Candidate’s Profiles
Subdivision #1 Candidates
Darcy Pryor
My husband and I have two teenage children in grades 10 and 12. We also have a farm/ranch we operate together.
Jan Pogorzelec (Rice)
Born and raised in Tuxford, Saskatchewan. I am passionate about education and supports for ALL learners. I have had a rewarding career in various urban and rural areas within the province of Saskatchewan and served as a Teacher, Principal, Curriculum and Special Education Coordinator, Inclusive Educator, Director, and Superintendent. I am a lifeling learner committed to supporting students, families, communities, and staff in achieving educational success. Currently I am employed as a part time Sessional Supervisor with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina.
I will provide open and transparent communication partnered with an unwavering focus on students and decisions based on what is in their best interest. I understand the responsibilities of a Board of Education and the need for the Board to lobby Provincial Government for continued support for providing the best opportunity for student success.
Subdivision #2 Candidates
Robert Bachmann Elected by Acclamation
Robert Bachmann Trustee Profile
Since 2014 I have served as a trustee for Subdivision 2. During my time on the board I have served on the innovation committee, the Business, Infrastructure and Governance committee, the Partnerships committee, the HR committee, and the rural transportation committee. In addition, I have acted as both the vice-chair and chair of the Prairie South board. Currently Robert also sits on the Saskatchewan School Boards Association executive board as the representative of the six southern boards from the 27 school boards that make up the SSBA.
4 of my kids have graduated from Prairie South schools and two more children are currently attending Prairie South schools. Since both a new Provincial Education Plan and a new strategic plan for Prairie South have been created, a key element in the upcoming four years is the implementation of these plans in a way that will bring the most benefit for students.
Subdivision #3 Candidates
John Bumbac Elected by Acclamation
Education has been a significant part of my life for almost 50 years. During that time I worked in several schools, both urban and rural and saw firsthand how schools operated from both a teacher and administrator’s perspective.
Since retiring from teaching I have been involved with several boards including the Five Hills Health Authority, SAHO, Sask Wheat Pool and the Viterra Farm Leadership Council. Currently, I sit on the University of Regina Senate.
It is my belief that my teaching and board experience give me the background to represent the Assiniboia and Mossbank schools. I feel that these schools in Subdivision 3 need a positive rural voice to make sure our schools remain viable in the future.
Subdivision #4 Candidates
Giselle Wilson Elected by Acclamation
Subdivision #5 Candidates
Shawn Davidson Elected by Acclamation
Subdivision #6 Candidates
Brett Hagan
My interest in education led to working at Prairie South as an EA for over a decade, giving me first-hand knowledge of how a school and classroom run. I currently work at a protective-model group home for at-risk youth in Moose Jaw.
I’ve sat on the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Advisory Committee, and am currently Chair with Wakamow Valley Authority.
In the past four years as trustee, I’ve been on the Student Outcomes, Human Resources, and Partnerships and Teambuilding committees; for the past two years I’ve been the representative with the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association.
My time as trustee, professional experience, work on boards and committees, along with my passion for education and commitment to positive change make me an ideal candidate to continue as trustee for Prairie South.
Lew Young
I take my service as a Trustee very seriously, working to ensure we provide the most up to date resources available to empower and facilitate student learning and achievement. I value Early Childhood Education. I have always maintained an open-door policy for parents and staff to contact me. I acknowledge our School Community Councils and value what I learn there. I appreciate and hold in high esteem the work of ALL Our STAFF , especially this past school year with all the uncertainties that occurred. Many in the Education Sector have become long time colleagues and I wish to continue to work alongside them locally and Provincially.
Kursty Bansley
This experience provides me with the understanding of the intricacies required to advocate on behalf of parents and students within our School Division, as funding is provided directly from the Ministry of Education.
Additionally, I was a founding committee member of a Nationally Accredited Professional Association’s project where we developed the current curriculum, and examination materials for a professional educational certification course. My knowledge and passion for accountability within governance provides me with the skills to support and advocate for all parents and students.
Brian Martynook
BRIAN MARTYNOOK, PRO.DIR
PROFILE STATEMENT
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, I am presently retired, having served as the CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce for 15 years. Prior to that, I owned and operated MM Construction with my father and brother, a local Moose Jaw business that operated continuously for over 50 years .
Serving my community has always been an integral part of my life and I have served as a Director on the boards of the Five Hills Healthy Region, Habitat for Humanity, Moose Jaw Literacy, Hillcrest Sports Centre, the Regina Airport Authority. At present, I sit as a Director on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. In order to bring value to my role as a board Director, I completed the educational and examination requirements to achieve my Professional Director (“Pro.Dir”) designation.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community by providing oversight and contributing to the strategic vision of the Prairie South School Division.
Ron Gorham
My role as General Manager with the Cooperative Retailing System allowed me to collaborate with a board. I understand the significance of the board approach to operating a viable business.
I am the father of two grown children, one of whom works in the education system. While my children attended school, I volunteered with various school events. As well, I coached hockey for several years. The Coop prides itself in community involvement; throughout my career I organized and participated in community events. I have employed high school students during my career, and I believe our young people deserve the greatest possible education.
Mary Jukes
I, Mary Jukes, am seeking re-election as board member of Prairie South School Division, Subdivision #6. I am a retired educator with teacher, counselor, Vice-Principal, and Principal experience. I have served on many boards and committees throughout my career and in addition to the PSSD, currently serve on the Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Board and Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association. I am a mother and grandmother, passionate about life-long learning and community participation in education.
I believe my experience brings valuable insights to the board, which contributes to informed decision making. My motto, “it takes each of us to make a difference for all of us”, supports my approachable and transparent work ethic. I believe in the democratic process and the role of consensus in governance. I will always provide my opinion, but will actively promote the decisions of the board majority to enhance the lives of students, parents and community stakeholders
Patrick Boyle
Abdul Alabi
My name is Abdul Alabi and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the school board. As a passionate advocate for education and the well-being of our students, I bring a commitment to ensuring our schools provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all. With over 10 years of experience in Canada [as a Banker, Tax Professional and Advisor Committee member with Saskatchewan Center for Patient Oriented Research, Cultural Diversity Community member with the City of Moose Jaw and Newcomer Advisory Council member with Prairie Skies Integration Network. I have developed the skills needed to make informed, balanced decisions that prioritize the needs of students, parents, and teachers alike. My goal is to collaborate with the community to foster academic excellence, support teachers, and create programs that prepare our students for a successful future. I believe that by working together, we can strengthen our schools and build a brighter future for every student. I would be honored to have your support and serve our community.
Tenielle McLeod
As a resident of Moose Jaw for almost twenty years, and mother of three, I am deeply invested in education. I have served as past SCC chairperson for five years, am current Vice Chair and SCC member on both elementary and high school committees, I have worked in the post-secondary sector as instructor and as educational developer in Learning and Teaching for almost two decades. My expertise is in assessment, curriculum development, and prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). I have also been involved in advancing initiatives that improve learner pathways for all students such as dual credit, transfer credit, and PLAR. I hold a BA and MA from USask. I am a current doctoral candidate in the Adult Learning program at the University of Calgary.
I am known as a servant leader, committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. I have a deep understanding of the structures within the school division and have fostered many relationships in this space, with teachers, administration, board members, and community. I look to use the skills that I may bring to maximize learner experience.