YORKTON - The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) recently presented an Award of Distinction to Lois Smandych of the Good Spirit School Division.
“It’s very much an honour. I was really quite honoured by the whole experience,” Smandych told Yorkton This Week. “. . . I was very surprised and very, very pleased.”
Smandych, a member of the Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) Board of Education, has been making an impact on the education sector for over two decades – being first elected in 2000.
Since her election in the fall of 2000, Lois has been an integral part of the GSSD Board of Education, which previously included the Yorkdale and York School Divisions. Throughout her tenure, Lois has consistently exhibited exemplary leadership, dedicating her time and expertise to contribute to the growth and improvement of the school division, detailed a member profile at www.gssd.ca
Asked what has kept her involved for more than two decades she explained “It’s just being really interested in the education of our children.
“To me education should be the number one priority, right up there with health.”
Certainly Smandych said she believes the 27 school divisions are doing their job.
“I’m very proud,” she said, adding she believes the system “provides a warm and welcoming and safe environment for students and staff.”
Smandych has served on the GSSD Board of Education as Vice Chair, Chair, and is currently a Trustee for Subdivision No. 5 encompassing Saltcoats, Bredenbury, Churchbridge, and Langenburg.
Serving is something Smandych she believes is an honour.
“It’s a real privilege to serve as a school trustee,” she said, adding she has to thank the GSSD and subdivision 5 for their support through the years.
Within GSSD, Lois has played an active role in numerous committees and initiatives. She served on the LINC Committee, focusing on enhancing the educational experiences of students. Additionally, her involvement in Visions, an initiative promoting Indigenous Elder involvement, demonstrates her commitment to fostering inclusive educational practices and celebrating diverse cultural perspectives, noted www.gssd.ca
