Some familiar faces will be at the helm of the Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) board of trustees this year.
Board chair Arlene Hrynyk and vice-chair Michael Topylki ran unopposed for their positions.
“It’s a great opportunity for Michael and I to continue the work we’ve been focused on leading the board through the last couple of years,” Hrynyk detailed. “Going into a new education plan, the board at our retreat last year had a significant focus on engagement, coupled with the adoption of the Education Act, and all the work that’s going to be going on, I think it lends itself to a great opportunity for us to continue our work as a board together.”
Topylki added, “I think we accomplished a lot of things last year, and I think we have some big stuff coming up. The Education Act will mean a lot of new aspects, and we want to give a helping hand moving those things forward.”
Throughout her six terms as a trustee, Hrynyk has held the chair or vice-chair position numerous times. She joked that her re-election was a “penance for being around too long.”
This year, Hrynyk’s top priorities include working on the new three-year education plan, focusing on improving the mental health and wellness of students, and their math initiative.
“As a board, a big commitment we’ve made is our engagement plan, which will really be reaching out to stakeholders to help us to make the best decisions that we can make around policy and serving our communities,” she continued.
Topylki is hoping to see the Student Voice to the Board, a council made up of students throughout the division, continue to grow.
“I think last year we had a really strong Student Voice. The ones that were on it really enjoyed it, and I think they had good things to say for students coming up, and wanting to be part of Student Voice or encouraging them to be there.”
Hrynyk noted students involved applied for the Education Minister’s Youth Council.
“They actually recognized and believed in the value of their voice, and I think, as a system, we’re so proud that the kids believe when we tell them their voice is important and they’re stepping up to those leadership roles just like we are.”
A highlight for them both is the modernization of Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) set to start in the fall.
Topylki has worked alongside Hrynyk during his three years as vice-chair, and has enjoyed his time learning from her.
“She keeps me well-informed, she keeps me up-to-date on everything that’s going on, includes me in things, which I think means a lot,” he said.
When he originally decided to run, Topylki said he wanted “to find out more about the role and what it entailed and to give Arlene a helping hand. I know she has a full plate, she does a pile of stuff, so when I can help, I enjoy helping out.”
Hyrnyk noted the board appreciates Topylki’s hard work and dedication.
“It’s wonderful when you get to serve with a vice-chair who’s like a co-chair. He picks up a lot of work, and nothing ever happens alone.”
She added, “It’s such a great balance, so many things are changing, and it brings a good perspective of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how you marry that in terms of policy, serving our students, staff, and communities.”
