LAKELAND — After serving Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) for 20 years as an elected public school board trustee, Arlene Hyrnyk announced on Wednesday, during a NLPS board meeting, that she will not run for re-election on Oct. 18.
As Hyrnyk broke the news to her fellow trustees, a sober silence followed with a few tears swept away by colleagues.
“I am announcing today that after 20 years, six elections and six terms, I'm not going to be seeking re-election as the Ward 4 trustee and I wanted you folks to be the first to know and to hear publicly,” she told those in attendance at the Sept. 15 meeting.
Hyrnyk was first elected in 2001 and has filled several roles for NLPS and Alberta’s public school division over her 20 years working as a trustee. She is also filling the role as the chairperson for the board at NLPS. In addition to her local involvement, Hyrnyk is also serving a second term as president for the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta.
“It has been an absolute honour. Serving as a trustee in Northern Lights has opened so many doors and my eyes... I can't say enough how the opportunity to walk through these doors as nine strangers 20 years ago has led me to the understanding and the work we've done. I have enjoyed working with all the past boards and past administrations, and most importantly, all of you folks the last four years,” she said.
Taking a moment to compose herself, she continued, “It's it feels a little bit like I'm cutting off my arms and my legs, because this is what I've done for a lot of my life, but you also know when it's time to move on.”
She added, “I think we've done great things together. There's a lot of things if I started dialing through all the accomplishments that I've been a part of and the recent the challenges, how you folks have risen to meet the needs of children – collectively together as a team – I'd be here for days. So, thank you for that. “
Hyrnyk went on to wish her fellow trustees running in the upcoming election good luck on their campaigns, adding, “Thank you for the honour to work with you and I'm looking forward to seeing all the great things you folks are going to do.”
Currently, there are two candidates running to fill the Ward 4 trustee position, which will be determined by the election results that are included on the municipal election ballot on Oct. 18.
Individuals interested in running for school board trustee have until Monday (Sept. 20) at noon to submit their nomination. Following the election, new board members will choose the next chair and vice-chair of the board at the NLPS annual organizational meeting.
Candidates running for school board trustee in Lakeland region
In Ward 1, which encompasses Bonnyville and area, there are three trustee positions available. As of Sept. 17, candidates running for Ward 1 include incumbents Garry Kissel and the current board vice-chairperson Michael Topylki, as well as Cheryl Edwards and Roy Ripkens.
Ward 2, which encompasses Cold Lake and area, similarly has three trustee positions available. All three candidates running in Ward 2 – Karen Packard, Mandi Skogen and Ron Young – are currently sitting as board trustees.
In Ward 3, which covers the hamlet of Lac La Biche, there have been no nomination forms received by NLPS, as of Sept. 17. There is one trustee position available to be filled.
Ward 4, which includes Lac La Biche – Plamondon, candidates Sandra Makokis and Blair Norton have put their names forward for the one trustee position available.
In Ward 5, which covers Lac La Biche South, Debra Lozinski is currently running unopposed to fill the one trustee position.
*Information accurate as of Sept. 17.
