Strong rural representation is an issue in school divisions that have both urban and rural portions. Cher Bloom, who is a trustee candidate for Saskatchewan Rivers School Division trustee, wants to improve the rural voice at the board table.
“I just find that rural is just so much different than urban needs and I see in the school division that maybe a stronger voice could be on the rural part of it. And I think there is lots of communities in this school division because it is both urban and rural-based where that is lacking,” Bloom said.
Bloom’s two children, Jacksen and Makenna, both graduated from W.P. Sandin in Shellbrook. She is a candidate for Subdivision 4, which includes Shellbrook and Wild Rose.
She described the work of current trustee John McIvor as fair and sees changes that can be made.
“I feel like just sitting back and not saying anything when I have experienced all of that is not the right thing to do either. So I just want improvements to be made for the rest of the families and friends and in the future if I have any family in school then those changes can be made,” Bloom said.
Some examples of things that need improvement are classes offered yearly and losing teachers because of the current transfer policy in the division. She explained that without being on the board of education herself, she does not understand what is going on at the board level with these decisions
Bloom is originally from the Canwood area and is a graduate of Canwood School. She works part time at the Shellbrook Dental Clinic after spending many years working in the north as Dental Therapist and instructor at her alma mater the National School of Dental Therapy in Prince Albert. Bloom and her family returned to the Shellbrook area in 2002.
McIvor looking to return for another term
Another longtime trustee is in the race for the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division board of education. John McIvor has been the trustee for rural subdivision 4 since 2009 and wants to return as a trustee for another term,
“I bring experience and commitment to this position. The last 23 years of my teaching career were in Shellbrook, where I still call home,” McIvor said.
Subdivision 4 represents Shellbrook Elementary School, W.P. Sandin High School and Wild Rose Public School. The largest challenge is the COVID-19 pandemic according to McIvor’s platform on the Saskatchewan Rivers’ website.
“This year has been a new experience for all of us.
“Schools, businesses, and home life have been at the center of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please rest assured that our division is doing everything it can to make the schools safe places for students and staff.
He called the situation unprecedented.
“I believe I have the background and desire to help our division move forward post Covid-19 and into the future,” McIvor said.
