NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK. – The Living Sky School Division (LSKYSD) Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting on November 12. Ronna Pethick was acclaimed as board chair for her tenth term, and Rocky Omelchenko was newly acclaimed as vice-chair. 

The Board of Education oversees six rural subdivisions, has three City of North Battleford representatives, and one Town of Battleford trustee, that provide strategic direction to ensure quality education for all students. Locally elected trustees play a critical role in shaping the provincial education system by ensuring local perspectives are represented.

Board Chair Ronna Pethick, a dedicated trustee for over 28 years representing Subdivision 4 (Unity, Cut Knife, Newmark and Hillsvale Colony schools), expressed gratitude for her re-election. "It’s an honour to continue serving as chair of the LSKYSD Board of Education. I deeply value the trust and support of my colleagues and look forward to advancing our division’s goals for the students we serve. Local voices are essential in education, and I’m proud to represent Living Sky," she said.

Vice-chair Rocky Omelchenko, now in his sixth year as a trustee for the City of North Battleford, shared ­­­he was grateful to his fellow trustees for trusting him with the position. He said "We are one of the most innovative and forward-thinking divisions in the province, in my opinion, and I am eager to continue to collaborate and support the board and central office to grow and develop our schools and students." This will be his first term as Vice-Chair.

Pethick and Omelchenko commenced their duties as chair and vice-chair immediately following their acclamation. Regular board meetings, which are open to the public, provide an opportunity for community engagement and awareness. Agendas for upcoming meetings and minutes of past meetings can be accessed on the division's website at www.livingskysd.ca.

With leadership set, the board looks ahead to carrying out plans for the current school year and strategizing for 2026-27 and beyond.
 

Pictured left to right: Ronna Pethick, Rocky Omelchenko, Brenda Vickers