The 2024 School Board Elections will be held in conjunction with municipal elections across Saskatchewan on November 13, 2024.
Check out the NWSD Subdivision Map - it outlines which communities candidates are running to represent and which electors will vote for certain candidates.
Candidate profiles are outlined below, in order of subdivision and candidate last name.
Subdivision 1 - Dorintosh, Goodsoil, Pierceland
Travis Neufueld
Candidate information not available
Subdivision 2 - Loon Lake, Meadow Lake Rural, Rapid View
Kelly Loken
Phone number: 306-304-7070
Candidate Statement
My family and I came to Meadow Lake almost 4 years ago, since then I have worked as a victim services assistant coordinator. This has allowed me to be involved in the community on many levels including schools and programs to help and support all community members including students and their families. I enjoyed working in that capacity and want to see what else can be done to encourage and support our community. Education is a very important piece to success in every child’s life. I feel that we need to work together to enhance that. Our community as a whole has a huge influence on youth and the education that is offered not only in the classroom but outside of it as well.
Kim Russell
Phone number: 306-240-5207 or 306-236-3440
Candidate Statement
Hello, my name is Kim Russell. I farm with my husband and am a mother of 4 children, 2 who have graduated and are in post secondary education and 2 still at home. I am running for position of school board trustee as I believe that school boards and their trustees should reflect the true values and needs of parents and the children of our communities. If I am elected, I will strive to listen to and understand the concerns facing parents and children. As there are many diverse needs and values represented in our communities, I hope to be a voice that will consider all opinions and make positive and fair recommendations to ensure that all are heard, and feel like our schools are safe places for our children to learn and grow.
Subdivision 3 - Frenchman Butte, Paradise Hill, St. Walburg
Amanda McGowan
Phone Number: 306-344-7046 or 306-344-2232
Candidate Statement
As a school board candidate, I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students. I am dedicated to enhancing academic opportunities and ensuring equitable resources for everyone while prioritizing students' success. I believe in transparency, collaboration and accountability within the school system. If elected, I will listen to the concerns of parents, students and educators to help make informed decisions that benefit the entire community. I aim to ensure that we provide all children with the best education experience physically, emotionally and academically. I am a business owner, a wife, a mother and a community volunteer. Operating our business has taught me that change only comes from those who put in the work. I am willing to put in the work for our children's future. With the community's support, I strive to bring positive changes and innovation to our schools. Thank you for considering me as your advocate for quality education.
Clara (Clare) Zeller
Phone number: 780-871-1665 (cell) or 780-871-1665
Candidate Statement
I live just outside of St. Walburg, SK with my husband. We operate a mixed farm; grain and cattle. I am a very active volunteer. In the past year I have spoken with many people regarding schooling locally, regionally and provincially. Miscommunication or no communication is the most common theme that I have heard from many. I believe my job as a trustee is to find out what every student, parent, teacher, support staff member needs to be successful and do my best to help them be successful. I'm not very good at talking about myself - I had to ask other people to describe me; some comments were forthright, hardworking, honest, extremely well organized, exceptional attention to detail, a good listener, quick thinker, a fixer, old and cranky (I can't argue the last part - I'm 64 and yes, sometimes cranky!). I care a great deal about all children and I will do my very best to help all students be the very best they can be. Thank you. Clare
Subdivision 4 - Livelong, Mervin, Turtleford
Randy McKee
Phone number: 780-205-6968 or 306-845-3506
Candidate Statement
I am a husband and a father of four; two boys and two girls. I am a Journeyman Heavy Equipment Technician and I work as an independent contract mechanic and equipment operator. I sat on the Turtleford Credit Union board of directors for six years serving on the audit, credit and executive committees. I currently have two kids attending Turtleford Community School.
Rick Starnes
Phone number: 306-845-3096 or 639-844-7277
Candidate Statement
My name is Rick Starnes. My wife,Cheryl, and I have lived in Turtleford basically forever. We have 2 adult children who were educated in Turtleford as well. I worked for the NorthWest School Division for 23 years and have been retired since 2022. I will bring a different perspective to the board having been involved in the maintenance side of it and am familiar with all of the schools in the Division.
Subdivision 5 - Edam, Glaslyn, Vawn
Cheyenne Ludwig
Candidate Statement
I am a 45-year-old father of four and business owner from the Meadow Lake area. I was born and raised in this area. I went to university in Alberta and worked away for a while but always wanted to come home. My wife and I moved back here several years ago because we wanted to raise our four kids in the rural, self-sufficient, hard-working, small-town school kind of life. I own my own environmental consulting business and ranch on the side. We have a boy in Gr. 10, a girl in Gr. 7 and our twin boys (that we had at almost 40!), who are in kindergarten.
I am very passionate about my children, and all of our children in this area. Our youth are our future leaders; we need to lead by example in educating our children. I believe we need some young parents in the School Board to work hard for our kid’s education, which in my opinion, has been going downhill through government pushed woke agendas.
I look forward to serving as a School Board Trustee.
Subdivision 6 - Maidstone, Paynton, Waseca
John Anderson
Candidate information not available
Laurel Pauls
Phone number: 306-903-7370
Candidate Statement
Originating from the Battlefords and living in the Maidstone area for the last 15 years, I've always found beauty in this area that surrounds us. The river valley, watching the crops grow and be harvested, and the crisp clear nights that are given justice by the wide open space.
As someone with a school aged child, setting our children up for success in academics and extra-curricular activities, while feeling a sense of belonging, no matter their interest, is of utmost importance to me.
When I am away from my full time job with the SHA, I enjoy attending my child's activities, spending time at the ball diamond, walking my dog, reading, biking, and working in the yard. I've previously enjoyed recreational activities such as fastball, hockey, and curling while living in Maidstone.
Subdivision 7 - Hillmond, Lone Rock, Marshall
Kristen McGowan
Phone Number: 306-821-3449
Candidate Statement
As a mother, wife, and small business owner, I’m deeply committed to the success of our children and community. With over 15 years of experience as a CPA and CFP, I bring expertise in financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility for our schools. I believe in fostering academic excellence, focusing on core subjects like reading, writing, and STEM, while opposing divisive agendas that distract from education’s true purpose. Schools should be places of critical thinking, personal growth, and resilience.
As a trustee, I will advocate for responsible budgeting, practical resources, and collaborative relationships between educators, parents, and students. I am dedicated to ensuring our schools provide the best opportunities for children to thrive. Thank you for your support. Let’s work together to create a stronger, more vibrant future for our children
Andrea Perillat
Phone Number: 780-872-4066
Candidate Statement
I’ve been a trustee on the board for the last 8 years. I have learnt so much in my time with the NWSD. I am looking forward to using that knowledge to help our schools be the best they can be.
Subdivision 8 - Lashburn, Marsden, Neilburg
Vaughn Bellin
Phone number: 306-830-0255
Candidate Statement
As a father of three students in NWSD, I’m running for the Board of Education trustee position to ensure every child has the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances. Education is the foundation for our children’s futures, and we must provide the tools necessary for them to thrive, whether they aspire to be farmers, businesspeople, professionals, or oilfield workers.
Our rural communities of Neilburg, Marsden, and Lashburn have unique needs, and I’m committed to ensuring our schools equip students with the skills for both local industries and broader opportunities. We need to close the gap in resources between rural and urban students by advocating for equitable access to EA support, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs that meet our students' dynamic needs.
I’ll work with families, educators, and board members to find solutions that prioritize student success. Together, we can help all students in NWSD achieve their dreams.
Jeff Walso
Candidate Statement
Good day! I live in Neilburg with my wife and young son where I have worked as a teacher for 15 years, currently teaching with SaskDLC. I believe that my experience in the educational sector allows me to bring unique perspectives to the Board.
Public education is crucial to our economy. For every $1 invested in K12 education, $4 in economic activity is generated (tinyurl.com/ssba4). Investing in public education today is not just about supporting students; it's an investment in the economy and our future.
I encourage you to read about the most pressing issues facing education now at tinyurl.com/stf24p. Per-student funding, class complexity, and violence top the list.
You, as a voter, have an opportunity to elect trustees that are committed to working with the province and stakeholders to act on the issues. The students, families and economy of the Northwest deserve a well-resourced public education system that helps students learn, grow and thrive.
Subdivision 9 & 10 - City of Meadow Lake (2 positions)
Barb Arnold
Phone number:
Candidate Statement
Our schools are facing many economic and cultural challenges. I believe in an education system that encourages intellectual growth and critical thinking of our youth in a welcomed and safe healthy environment for both students and parents. Now more than ever its important to get involved in our schools. I raised my children here, and now my grandchildren attend school here.
I believe in practical, common-sense solutions, communication and being a positive team player, while making sure that different voices in our community are respected and heard. Let’s advocate for programs that will foster both academic and social achievements, our student wellness is a priority.
With over 30 years experience as Housing Authority Manager(retired) & Indian Affairs, has helped give me the understanding of different cultures, diverse needs of people and extensive leadership experience with million-dollar budgets, government policies and working with various agencies which is beneficial as a Trustee.
James McKee
Candidate information not available
Barb Seymour
Candidate information not available
Glen Winkler
Candidate information not available
Subdivision 11 - Flying Dust First Nation
Patricia Main
Phone number: 306-240-8320
Candidate Statement
I am running for a second term on the school board and I’ve witnessed progress over the last four years and seeing another class for Michif to accommodate parents who want to enrol their children in the Michif program. Which is see as part of the Truth and Reconciliation, Calls to Action. I aim to advocate for All and support indigenous students and parents. The last four years have been a very eye-opening learning curve, but I promise to have a listening ear and string the voice of students at NWSD to make the right choices