Ward 1: Nampa, Peace River, Red Earth Creek
Ward 1 Electoral Boundary Map
Marie Dyck: Ward 1 (*Acclaimed)
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I have been working diligently to keep our small rural schools open in Northern Alberta. As the ASBA Zone 1 (Northern Alberta) Chair, we have set up a committee to bring forward pilots and ideas to talk about with our government officials on the importance of helping these schools.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I have several years of governance training, leadership training, and policy making. I love being involved with school activities and enjoy the student councils and meetings with our children of various ages.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I was quite instrumental in talking to government leaders and the Minister of Education on the need for a new school in Red Earth Creek - and they are now close to starting construction. The approval and design phases are completed. We need strong Trustees in place to ensure our children can attend a school close to home.
Ward 2: Peace River, rural Peace River, Three Creeks
Ward 2 Electoral Boundary Map
Wanda Laurin: Ward 2
Contact Information
Phone: 780-625-6309
Email: wlaurin@telusplanet.net
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
- Support the Canadian "National School Food Program" to see healthy and local food coming into our schools, along with enhanced nutrition and food literacy.
- Use alternative energy technology to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in our schools
- Increased community engagement and education of our students through mentorship by local experts
- Increased mentorship opportunities for new teachers.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
- Former School Board Trustee with the Francophone School Board, 6 years
- Elected to Town of Peace River, 3 year term
- Peace River NDP association member
- Between 1995-2008: Chairperson of the Recycling Society. During this time the Peace Regional Eco Centre came to fruition.
- 2008, 2009, 2012: Organized Alternative Energy Trade Fairs and Information, championing solar, wind and biomass ideas.
- 2009: Joined the Peace Energy Cooperative
- 2017-Present: Chairperson of Alberta Food Matters, working with the coalition for Healthy School Food and the National School Food Program.
- 2016-Present: Volunteer Coordinator at the Peace River Soup Kitchen
- Currently working with Peace Energy Cooperative on a Five Megawatt Solar Project near Peace River.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I am a retired elementary teacher and I taught for over 30 years in the PRSD. I have been married to my husband, Paul, for 36 years and I have lived in Peace River for 37 years. I have three terrific, bilingual daughters and nine amazing grandchildren, with another one on the way!
Favourite quote: Margaret Mead says it very aptly - "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Crystal Owens: Ward 2 (*Incumbent)
Contact Information
Phone: 780-625-5248
Email: owenscrystal1031@gmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
Over the years, the Board has been working on new policies and initiatives to help the Board be more involved in our schools and seen in our communities. I think this is the best way to keep students "top of mind" when making decisions at the Board table and I would love to have the opportunity to continue with this work and see it come to fruition.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
After serving eight years as a Trustee for PRSD, I have formed great connections with both the Alberta School Boards Association and the Public School Board of Alberta Association, sitting on committees for each organization. As well as the relationships formed with many local and provincial leaders while advocating for public, rural education, is what I believe would make me an asset to the Peace River School Division.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I am a proud resident of Peace River and have been involved with the Peace River School Division for over 15 years. Between cooking hot lunch, volunteering for school trips, sitting on School Council for three schools, and the last eight years as a school board trustee. I will continue to be a part of PRSD with four of our five children still attending PRSD schools in Peace River.
Ward 3: Weberville, Dixonville, Deadwood, Manning, Hawk Hills
Ward 3 Electoral Boundary Map
Lacey Buchinski: Ward 3 (*Incumbent)
Contact Information
Phone: 780-836-9214
Email: laceybuch83@gmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I’m hoping as a board we can become more accessible to students. In the past we have invited students into the board room once a year as a group for student engagement. This was always a great experience, but I know we can do better.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
My career and community involvement (school councils, sports boards, school breakfast program organizer, current trustee etc.) over the years has given me the experience of managing people, understanding planning, accountability, decision making and seeing the big picture. All of these are qualities I feel are needed to govern a division.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
Although I never saw myself as a teacher, I have always valued education and the role it plays in shaping futures. Sitting on the Board the last 4 years has been a roller coaster full of every emotion imaginable but I have learned so much from our students, staff, communities and families. If given the opportunity, I would be honoured to continue to represent Ward 3.
Sharmon Pierson: Ward 3
Contact Information
Email: sharmon.pierson@gmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I want to collaborate with parents, students, staff, and the board by listening to all
perspectives and advocating for the best overall outcomes, while considering individual
student needs. Every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for
life after school and provides opportunities to explore various trades alongside academic
learning.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I am a parent of three children and have been on parent council since they started
school, thirteen years ago. I see parent council as an important part of the education
system. It is a place for parents to have a voice concerning their children’s education and
be aware of what is happening. I want to go to the next level and be a voice for this ward.
I know there will be a learning curve, but I am willing to learn.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
Our family has lived in Manning since 2012; my husband grew up here and we decided
that the smaller town atmosphere was what we wanted. I have been the treasurer of
Manning Food for Thought Foundation for the past seven years, a great organization that
provides free breakfast two times a week to the students of Manning. I enjoy organizing,
and having an environment be left better than the way it was – I look at situations and
ask, ‘How can we do that better?’ I also follow the life pattern of – ‘Finish what you start’.
Ward 4: Peace River, rural Peace River, Grimshaw, Shaftesbury
Ward 4 Electoral Boundary Map
Ward 4: Moïse Dion (*Incumbent)
Contact Information
Phone: 780-274-1122
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
Student success begins with a board that makes responsible, transparent, courageous decisions.
Over the next four years, I will keep building a stronger division:
- keep our rural schools viable so students can learn close to home;
- support budgets that put teachers, support staff, and classrooms first, not bureaucracy;
- and rebuild trust through transparency, giving parents and communities a real seat and voice at the table.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
The most important quality in a trustee is an unwavering commitment to be the community’s accountable voice. My record demonstrates that commitment. I ask hard questions, stand on principle, and put the public interest first. The Court of King’s Bench affirmed this when it found the board erred in law and ordered my reinstatement. Collaboration matters, but it isn’t quiet agreement or rubber‑stamping. Collaboration is respectful debate that hears perspectives and ensures the board serves the public.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I’m a long‑time Peace River resident and a dedicated parent whose only agenda is a better school division for our children and taxpayers. My advocacy has had measurable impact. My successful court challenge affirmed my role as your trustee and found the board’s decision to disqualify me was unlawful, “unjust, disproportionate, and excessive.”
The decision exposed abuses of trustee codes of conduct. Bill 51, the Education Amendment Act, was introduced in that context to ensure elected officials can’t be removed from office unlawfully. This proves that standing on principle for my community leads to positive, province‑wide change.
That is the dedication I will bring for the next four years.
Paul Quinney: Ward 4
Contact Information
Phone: 780-618-9077
Email: paulewoggs@gmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
To assist PRSD in its vision of student success, I believe in recognizing and celebrating student achievements - both big and small - to help build confidence, motivation, and inspire continued learning. When students receive meaningful feedback on their performance and areas for growth, they feel more confident and better equipped to progress. When students feel valued and supported, they are more motivated to keep moving forward.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I feel the most important qualities I bring to the role of school trustee are strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work as part of a team to make the best decisions for students and the division. My willingness to learn will assist me in becoming an effective, responsible and trustworthy board member.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I was born in Peace River and have lived in Grimshaw for nearly 50 years. I'm a proud parent with two children in high school, and I have been active in community sports over the years. I've worked at Mercer Pulp for over 25 years and have deep family roots in the area.
Ward 5: Grimshaw, rural Grimshaw, rural Fairview, Berwyn, Brownvale, Whitelaw, Bluesky, Deer Hills
Ward 5 Electoral Boundary Map
Carolyn Gerk: Ward 5
Contact Information
Phone: 780-625-1215
Email: carolyn.2345@hotmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I believe in fostering safer, more supportive learning environments for all. As a former Educational Assistant, I understand how important it is that every adult in a school — not just teachers and administrators — is equipped to help students succeed. I’d advocate for stronger support systems, including orientation and transition time for support staff working with high-needs students, to improve consistency and reduce turnover.
I want to collaborate with families, educators, and the board to address concerns around aggression and safety. Students learn best when they feel safe, and supported — emotionally, socially, and academically. Meeting the needs of evolving communities requires open, inclusive communication.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
- Long-term board trustee for the Grimshaw Municipal Library
- Experience working as a classroom E.A. and volunteer.
- Passionate about personal education opportunities
- Experience working with and advocating for persons with developmental disabilities.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I’m a parent of two school-aged children and with current Level One Childcare training, bringing both personal and practical insight into the needs of students and families. I’m actively involved in the Grimshaw community through local groups, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Grimshaw Library.
I believe in strong public education. Every child deserves the best possible start, and when we invest in inclusive, high-quality learning environments, we’re not just supporting students. I’m committed to advocacy to ensure accessibility, safety and success. Even in challenging times, I believe we have the chance to make community-driven, equitable choices to provide what’s best for our schools.
Cindy Hockley: Ward 5
Contact Information
Phone: 780-617-1341
Email: hockleyc@telusplanet.net
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
While I don't have new ideas, I can see ways to expand current initiative for student success.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I feel my experience in finance and in municipal government have prepared me for taking on the work of the Board to help our schools do their best for our students.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
The students will always be my priority. Having spent most of my life in the Grimshaw/Berwyn area, I look forward to helping our youth become successful in school, in community, and in life.
Janet Przybylski: Ward 5
Contact Information
Phone: 780-596-2026
Email: janetprzybylski77@gmail.com
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
- Put academic achievement back on the front burner
- High behavioural standards foster a safe community for all
- Quality extracurricular programs
- Sports - both competitive and recreational
- Performing and Creative Arts programs in all of our schools
- Increase in meaningful field trips
Inclusive Education is meant to be responsive and flexible as opposed to rigid and dogmatic - recognizing that students thrive in a variety of settings. This looks different at different stages of development. Classroom teachers need to be unhindered from overwhelming expectations, to teach to a high standard at appropriate grade levels.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I have worked in school communities for over 30 years as an EA in a variety of programs from K to Grade 12. I have sat in the back of over 100 classrooms and worked with as many teachers and other professionals. I have observed what works, and what doesn't. I know that students will rise to our expectations. I believe that confidence and a strong work ethic are qualities that will serve our students throughout their lives. I have never given up on a child. It is our responsibility to ensure that every student has the skills and knowledge to thrive as contributing adults.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
As a grandmother of four, I have a vested interest in the quality of education my grandchildren and yours receive. I see good teachers burning out and leaving the profession. I understand their frustrations. I am hopeful of real conversations and actions to reverse these trends. I am hopeful of an Education Renaissance!
Ward 6: Fairview, rural Fairview
Ward 6 Electoral Boundary Map
David Rushton: Ward 6 (*Acclaimed)
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I would like to continue to advocate for a mechanism to allow students and staff to be heard and give them a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect them.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I am a hard working, honest and empathetic person with experience in PRSD's facility and transportation departments. I have also worked in the classroom and have served on the Board for 2 years. I have been associated with PRSD since 2009.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren who have graduated through the public school system in Fairview and I have always supported public education.
Ward 7: Hines Creek, rural Hines Creek, Bear Canyon, Cleardale, Clear Hills
Ward 7 Electoral Boundary Map
Edith Giesbrecht: Ward 7 (*Acclaimed)
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Peace River School Division forward in its vision of student success in the next four years?
I want to keep being a voice for schools and their communities at the Board level. I want to help ensure that all students are represented to give them the very best chance at being successful no matter where they're at.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you bring to the role of a school trustee?
I've been in a number of different education systems as a child, and I love the opportunity that the public system brings to communities. I've served as a trustee for two years now, and I enjoy connecting with the different school communities that I represent. I see how each school is unique in its dynamic, community and learning needs.
What other information do you want people to know about you?
I have two kids in the system and I'm active in their school through volunteering, sports, fundraising, etc. I live way out in the west end of the Division and I understand that sometimes the rural challenges differ from the more central schools. I strongly believe in bringing opportunities to kids, and kids to opportunities and I want to keep helping PRSD in its mission of achieving success for all.