Luke Sunderland is the new Banff ward trustee for Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS).
The Oct. 5 byelection’s unofficial results tallied 231 votes for Sunderland out of 402 ballots dropped in by Banff and Lake Louise residents.
Official results will be announced Friday (Oct. 9) at noon.
As elected community representatives, the role of a school trustee is being the public’s voice for local education.
Sunderland thanked fellow candidate and opponent Joe Bembridge for “elevating the conversation” and being an asset to CRPS schools.
“I don’t relish any aspect of the win personally, it’s an incredible opportunity to work on behalf of this incredible community,” Sunderland said.
He added that campaigning for the byelection enabled him to become more immersed in the community. Sunderland eagerly awaits continuing that conversation and executing the platform that he was elected on.
The Alberta Education system provides enrolment growth funding to districts increasing in student population, which CRPS is at a disadvantage with.
“I want to work with the provincial government, specifically trustees and school boards across Alberta relative to the rural school boards that are challenged with funding models that relates to those schools, put forward some potential solutions and ask local MLA Cam Westhead to champion that,” Sunderland said.
“Working toward the minister (Education Minister David Eggen) influencing his funding models to make a change for the better as it relates to student acuity across Alberta is important because I believe all students deserve the same learning opportunities regardless of where they grow up.
“Education and access to affordable housing are the building blocks to a strong community and sustainable future.”
Board chair Carol Picard was very happy with the qualifications and enthusiasm both candidates brought to the table and looks forward to Sunderland joining the board
“Luke has extensive financial management, non-profit and board experience, and has numerous ideas he’s itching to bring to our table to strengthen CRPS’ connectivity within the community to improve our ability to offer our students even more opportunities than we already do,” Picard said. “We hit the ground running next week with our annual fall retreat and strategic planning session, so his fresh perspective will be very welcome.”
