Pam Currie has proven time and again she is not afraid to speak up and speak out on behalf of constituents when it comes to South East Cornerstone Public School Board business.
Currie has served as a school division representative before and after amalgamation took place, having been a trustee on the Estevan Public and Estevan Comprehensive School board prior to the 2006 amalgamation of school divisions across the province.
She said she first ran as a concerned parent and then learned to be an advocate for all children and ratepayers as she absorbed more education about the teachers and administrators who have helped children grow and flourish in the public education system.
“I have an even deeper desire to ensure the children don’t become the casualty of bureaucracy and politics and that their education and experiences in the classroom stay in the forefront,” Currie said.
The veteran board member said many changes could be happening on the school governance files with the provincial government talking about transformational change, and she said, “I want to be a part of those talks. I have experience and a history in human resources and staff relationships and working with budgets and implementing strategic and long-term plans,” she said, citing her past experiences as both a union representative within the City of Estevan’s employ as well as later holding a management position with the city. She has completed a professional director’s certification course through Cornerstone.
She has also served on several community volunteer service committees.
Because of this background in management and as a representative for employees at various levels, Currie said she’s very aware of the implications surrounding the Ministry of Education’s request for cost-saving measures. She said they are in tune with the steps that have already been taken at the regional level while implementing a new learning plan for 2017 that corresponds with the government’s Early Learning Reading, Writing and Math programs.
“There have been staff reductions through attrition and educational assistants reductions and realignment of staff to support priorities as well as reduction in bus routes, a reduced facilities budget and a refreshing of the technology replacement cycle from four to five years. Those are just a few of numerous things that have taken place already,” she said.
“The South East Cornerstone school division has been on the right track, finding efficiencies and giving children the best education. I am proud to be on this board and I would like to remain on this board,” said Currie, looking ahead to the Oct. 26 general municipal election where her name will be on a ballot if more than two candidates file nomination papers since Estevan has two seats at the Cornerstone table. If only two candidates step forward, they will be elected through acclamation.
Currie is the only Estevan candidate to date who has filed nomination papers. The city’s other current board member, Janet Foord announced her retirement earlier this summer, pending a move to central Saskatchewan.
