Education in Vauxhall is getting a significant shot in the arm this year with millions currently being poured into the Vauxhall Schools Capital Project. But providing access to excellent education is still a professed goal of Horizon School Division which requires constant improvement.
With that in mind, trustee Norma Peters has decided to seek a third term on the Horizon board representing Ward 2, Vauxhall and Hays, in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 18.
Peters, a resident of Hays, is pleased with the commitment that has been made to modernize the twin schools in Vauxhall.
“Everything is running pretty smooth as far as my own particular ward is concerned. With the Vauxhall Schools Project going on, we like to keep an eye on that, and plug in a few words of encouragement when it comes to making sure we’ve got the things in there that are going to address the needs of the kids.”
Progress is also being made on other fronts, according to Peters.
“We’re really excited that our Mennonite Alternative Program (MAP) is expanding — that’s big. It’s exciting to watch that grow and see where it’s going to go from here.”
Enrollment has declined in Hays from previous years.
“Hays is running along pretty good,” said Peters. “We’re down a little bit in our enrollment there, so if we can encourage families to move into the Hays area and increase our school population there, that’s good.”
Working together with the Horizon board of trustees rather than playing an adversarial role is important.
“Other than that, things are running pretty smooth. As a whole, I think the board perception is that we want to do what is best for children and students all through our jurisdiction, not necessarily one ward over the other — even though there are priorities that are missed as either facilities that need looked at, to prioritize that, or educational needs,” said Peters.
Giving back to the community through representing the Hays/Vauxhall area has been a fulfilling experience for Peters on a number of different levels.
“I had served on our local school council association as a member as well as a chair for a couple of years, and attended some of the conventions that happened at that school council level, and it just kind of peaked my interest to see — my kids were almost through the system when I started the school board, but just to realize that it’s important that somebody picks up the banner to make sure that our children are getting the best education, and the best individualized education. I was encouraged by a couple of people here in the Hays area that thought that I would do well, and I thought OK, I’ll try it. And I enjoy it, I’m really enjoying it.”
Peters admitted getting involved as a trustee was a bit like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, but she has traveled through the looking glass in the six years since.
“It’s been certainly a learning curve and an eye-opener on some of the issues. When you sit back as a parent or a community member you don’t really realize what goes on behind to make sure that all those things happen. So that’s been a good learning experience and certainly I would encourage anyone to step up to the plate and do that kind of service to the community, because that makes a difference in the end.”