Aspen View Public School Division’s trustee election is approaching in October, and so far three trustees have said they have no interest in running again.
The term is being increased from three years to four, and Aspen View recently reduced its number of trustees from nine to seven.
Trustee Robert Rohatynchuk has decided not to put his hat back in the ring.
“I have decided not to run again,” he said. “I am busy with my farming operation, and I am finding it more difficult to spend time between the two jobs.”
Trustee Wes Kowalchuk said he has been sitting as a trustee for the past three terms, and that is long enough.
Board chair Brian Bittorf is not running in the election either, citing his 43 years working in the school system already in positions ranging from teacher to assistant principal.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in each of the positions, and have especially enjoyed being a school trustee,” said Bittorf.
Bittorf said he wishes to take vacations without scheduling them around board meetings.
Trustee Dennis MacNeil said at the moment he is planning on running for another term.
“I’m planning on running primarily because there are still a lot of things that need to be changed in Aspen View,” he said. “We need to find more ways to save money and make the school division more effective and efficient.
“And more importantly, we need to continue to work on providing our children in Aspen View with the best possible learning opportunities,” he said.
Trustee and board vice-chair Paul Ponich said he has enjoyed his position with the board and wishes to continue with Aspen View.
“I have been in education and public service all my life,” he said. “I am comfortable in that capacity, and I have a varied background in education, and I have served on the board for many years. I still think I have some valuable contributions to make.”
Trustees Randy Uglanica, Edgar Koehler and Penny Fehr could not be reached for comment as of press time.
