Technology and inclusion are central to a mother who wants to have a role in local education by serving on the Red Deer Public School District board.
Lianne Kruger has five children, but only one left in Red Deer Public schools. The others have graduated.
She serves on various boards in the community, including the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools, the Central Alberta historical society where she is a vice-president, the Red Deer branch of the genealogical society, the centennial committee, Girl Guides of Canada and a swim team’s board.
“Wherever I am, I’m usually volunteering,” said Kruger.
She sought a trustee position in the last election, in 2010, but lost. Undeterred, she wants to try again.
“Education is my passion,” said Kruger. “I still take university courses just to learn things.”
She has a computer programming degree and has taught software courses for 31 years.
“We need to keep students and teachers up to date,” said Kruger, 54.
“No matter what our children go into, they need a technology background. It’s easy for them, but they need to be updated.”
Bullying and student inclusion are also key issues for Kruger. She has researched the topic over the past few years.
“I’d like to work and find something that would help the district, but not add to the teacher’s responsibilities at the same time,” said Kruger.
She also said the teacher-student ratio is an important topic for the board.
“I had someone tell me the teachers should just ‘suck it up,’ ” said Kruger.
“That’s not it, their concern and my concern is for the students, and making sure the students get the best education, that they get what they need.
“The bigger the classroom, the harder it is to address those issues.”
Trustee candidates will be on the Oct. 21 municipal ballot along with city council and mayoral candidates.
Other Red Deer Public School board candidates are Bill Christie, Shari Hanson, Kerri Kenworthy, Dick Lemke, Dianne Macaulay, Bev Manning, Ben Ordman, Cathy Peacocke, Kurt Spady, Bill Stuebing, Jim Watters, Milt Williams and Raymond Yaworski.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com