For the first time in many years, there will be an election for public school board trustee in Warman.
Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) Board of Education Chair Sam Dyck of Warman is running for re-election. He is being challenged for the position by Adin Dereniwski of Warman, a young businessperson and mother of two.
Dyck has served on the PSSD board since 2006. Prior to the formation of PSSD, Dyck served on the board of the former Sask Valley School Division.
In an interview October 6, Dyck said he’s passionate about education and believes the school division has a responsibility to help students develop their full potential.
“It takes a whole community to develop children,” said Dyck. “If we’re going to change the future of the world, there is no better place to start than investing dollars and commitment and time and energy into raising the next generation.
“We have a responsibility to them to make the world a better place.”
Dyck said his record on the board speaks for itself.
“The best indication of future performance is past performance,” said Dyck. “There have been a lot of accomplishments by this school division over the years to improve educational opportunities for students.”
Dyck said the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest challenges the school division has had to face in recent memory. But, he added, it’s also provided an opportunity to increase cooperation between education and health officials for everyone’s benefit.
He said it’s incumbent on all trustees to keep an eye on the future.
“We have students in Kindergarten,” he said. “What will the world be like in 12 years when they’re in their graduating year? The world changes so quickly and no one has a crystal ball, but I believe we need to build strong foundations. Not just academic foundations, but in all areas. We need to allow students to achieve their potential in whatever area that happens to be.”
Dereniwski said she is excited to run for a position on the school board, adding she cares deeply about education and youth.
“I want to build a strong foundation for students’ learning,” said Dereniwski. “Everyone involved, including teachers, parents and the school board must all work together to do this. I would love to be involved in continuing the improvement in areas where it’s needed.”
Dereniwski grew up and attended school in Warman. She and her husband Rob are involved in community organizations. She has operated her private music school, the Hawk’s Nest Music Studio, in Warman for the past 11 years. The studio is currently one of the nominees for the Warman-Martensville Business Excellence Awards. She said her business experience has provided her with solid knowledge of fiscal management.
She has two children attending school in the community, and was an early advocate for construction of an accessible playground for children with special needs. She served as a volunteer member of the Warman Recreation Committee for two years.
“If elected, like anyone new to a position, I am willing to learn,” said Dereniwski. “I have the drive and ambition because I want to be a voice to represent our community, educators and students and am more than willing to support and listen to the thoughts and views of all involved, in any situation.”
Dereniwski said as a young mother, she’s in touch with the concerns of families.
“I am a parent, with children currently in the school system,” she said. “Times are different and I am experienced in these times but also still learning.
“I am a hard worker; I feel I am genuine in my decision-making and I am a fair-minded person.
“My goal is to help make change where its needed and to make a positive difference.”