Election 2021
Official Election Results
Required Forms:
Form 4 - Nomination Paper and Candidate's Acceptance
Form 5 - Candidate Financial Information
Form 26 - Campaign Disclosure and Financial Statement
New! Click on form link above, then download and save
(then open from your saved location in order to view fillable document).
Release of Candidate Information form
Documents & Links:
Election Handbook (Battle River School Division) revised May 6, 2021
Candidate Profiles
Candidate profiles and photos are written and supplied by individual candidates for the position of BRSD School Board Trustee, based on three questions provided by the school division. Candidates are limited to a 500 word response.
Candidate profiles are posted in the order they were received.
Please note that the first six profiles are for candidates in Ward 1 or 2. The candidates in Ward 3 and 4 are elected by acclamation.
Zsuzsanna Hemperger - Candidate Ward 2, Beaver County
My name is Zsuzsanna Hemperger. I am a long-time resident of Beaver County and have been married for 26 years. I have three daughters, two of whom are currently attending Tofield School, with the middle child in twelfth grade. And overall, I believe that my numerous demonstrations of commitment, dedication, and hard work for this community throughout the last 15 years will prove to you that I’m worthy of your vote once more.
Examples of the roles I’ve played are as follows:
BRSD Trustee/Vice Chair for Beaver County for 4 years
School Council Chairperson for C.W. Sears & Tofield School for 8 years total
Chairperson for Friends of Tofield Students Fundraising Society for 4 years
Tofield Municipal Library Board Member/Vice-Chair/Chairperson for the last 12 years.
FCSS public advisory member
Supporting Breakfast Programs in local schools through volume food donations
Vision About Student Learning
It takes a village to raise a child, and I want to be the link between the taxpayers and the school board for this second term. Educating children into adulthood is a privilege and a responsibility, so as a community we need to be as informed as possible. As such, I promise to provide regular reports on the topics engaging BRSD. I’m committed to making BRSD the best place for kids in the public education system. If re-elected, I want to work collaboratively with taxpayers to move BRSD in a positive direction, engaging with communities and students to hear their views and carry their ideas to the board while prioritizing the students’ welfare.
Student-Centred Ideas for Success
All aspects of educating students advance society; the more diverse and well-rounded education we can offer, the more successful our children will be. We need to ensure that children possess basic literacy and numeracy skills; without that foundation it will be harder for them to be successful in an ever-changing world. We also need to find ways to enable our children to address important topics from multiple perspectives and increase their curiosity beyond course content. I’d like to see more field trips and programs to assist with hands-on learning, as well as offering students more opportunities to explore their own interests and work at their own paces, while building transferable skills that will be useful in the classroom and in the outside world.
Most Important Qualities
Having been heavily involved as a parent, and for the past four years as a trustee within the BRSD system, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience through which to make solution-driven decisions by listening to multiple perspectives, considering options, managing resources effectively and working closely with others to take effective action. I’m resourceful, compassionate, well informed, continually learning, and actively honing my leadership skills to make the difficult decisions required of a successful trustee. Most of all what I bring if re-elected is a deep commitment to serving our students and a willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure their needs are met.
Patrick McFeely, Candidate for Ward 1, the City of Camrose
My name is Patrick McFeely and I am running for election as Battle River School Division trustee, City of Camrose.
I completed a degree at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Arts. I have also obtained a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego. I worked extensively in a variety of schools throughout my 30 year career as both a teacher and school administrator. My experience as a school administrator in BRSD included being the Principal at New Norway School, Vice Principal and Principal at Camrose Composite High School, Principal at Jack Stuart School and Principal of the 10 Hutterite schools. I recently retired in June 2021 and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to have a positive impact in the division.
I have been married for 26 years. My wife is a high school science teacher and department head at Wetaskiwin Composite High School. Both of my sons attended K to 12 schools in BRSD, and both boys recently graduated from the University of Alberta with Bachelor of Education degrees. To say that education is important to me would be an understatement. I have dedicated the past 30 years to the service of students, parents, community members and colleagues.
Over the last 37 years of coaching volleyball, I have invested thousands of hours teaching the sport at all levels. I have coached numerous teams to provincial and national championships. Coaching is a passion of mine that has allowed me to connect with youth outside of the classroom. It is an absolute joy for me to watch athletes learn and grow to achieve their potential.
What is your vision about student learning?
I believe every student can learn and grow to achieve their goals. It is the responsibility of the division to provide the necessary support for all students to be successful. Students need strong literacy and numeracy skills throughout their education. Developing students with critical thinking skills and a strong sense of community are also essential aspects of a quality education. Students must receive an education that is engaging and meaningful at all times. Opportunities to work in a collaborative environment to identify problems and solutions should be central to all learning opportunities.
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
I believe we need to give students more opportunities to lead in our schools. Students need to understand that they are valuable and capable contributors to society through their work to serve others. We also need to provide opportunities for students to have meaningful projects that engage their goals and passions. I believe that students, when presented with important learning tasks, will rise to the occasion and become valuable members of society.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
I have a strong understanding of the education system based on my 30 years of work in the profession. I also believe I can relate to all stakeholders in the system. Being a parent, an educator, and administrator, I understand how important it is to listen to the perspectives of others when making decisions and finding solutions to complex problems. I will engage with all stakeholders in a collaborative manner to support and represent all schools and communities within the division.
Brett Huculak, Candidate for Ward 2 - Beaver County
My name is Brett Huculak and I am running for School Board Trustee. I have lived in Tofield for more than 25 years and both of my children were born and raised here. They attended C.W. Sears and Tofield Schools.
I am a retired teacher so I know the education system well. I have a Master of Education Degree and also possess a Human Resources Management Graduate Certificate. I was a teacher and administrator at Viking School for many years. I was also Assistant Principal at Camrose Composite High School for two years as well as Principal at Ryley School for two years. I then became Principal of Viking School for three years before taking on the role of Division Principal and Assistant Superintendent – Human Resources in the school division office. As such, I have experience with every school in the division and particularly the schools in Beaver County.
Since retiring, I have worked with the following groups in Beaver County: the Claystone Waste Public Advisory Committee and the Tax Assessment and Sub Division and Development Appeal Boards.
While my primary duty will be to Beaver County Schools, I also have the experience to think division wide to make decisions that are in the best interest of all students in the division.
I have very much enjoyed my teaching career and working with the students of Battle River School Division. I would now like to give back to the Beaver County community that has supported me in my 25 years as a teacher and administrator by becoming a trustee.
What is your vision about student learning?
I believe that all students can and will learn. We just need to put the right pieces in place to ensure that this happens. This means we must do our best to put in the things that are necessary to improve student learning. If what we are doing is not improving student learning, then we need to ask ourselves why we are doing it.
What positive, student-centred ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
I think that the most important thing to do is that, when you make a decision, you always make sure that is in the best interest of students. If you make decisions based on what is best for students then the School Division will get better at educating students and they will benefit as a result.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
Empathy. Being a teacher/administrator for so many years and seeing first-hand the struggles that some students have faced with their learning makes me want to reduce as many learning barriers as possible. This means making the right decisions for the right reasons. I feel that I have the ability to do that.
Doug Algar, Candidate for Ward 1, the City of Camrose
My name is Doug Algar. My wife and I have lived in Camrose for 40 years. Our two kids moved through the BRSD school system, attending Sparling School, Ecole Charlie Killam School and Ecole Camrose Composite High School.
I received my B.Ed. from the University of Alberta in 1982 and M.Ed. from the University of Portland in 1995. I was a full-time teacher from 1982-2007 at ECCHS, followed by 10 years as an administrator at Hay Lakes School and ECCHS.
I retired, after a wonderful career, in 2017. Since that time I have enjoyed a new role as substitute teacher within the division, along with tutoring numerous students in the areas of Mathematics and Physics.
Volunteer efforts have played a large role in my life. I have spent much of my life coaching sports. During my career I worked tirelessly on behalf of educators, in the areas of professional development and negotiations. And most recently I took on the role of Membership Director for our Zone within the Alberta 55+ Summer and Winter Games.
What is your vision about student learning?
Students can’t effectively learn if their physical and mental well-being are at risk. Although most of this responsibility falls on the home, schools must play a part. Extensive support for both of these aspects must be available and effective. Also of importance is the safety and security of our students. This starts from the moment the child steps on a bus or passes through the doors of our schools. Once these factors have been assured, we can begin to focus on learning.
At the classroom level we must provide support for the people that work in the building. All school staff must feel like the administration is behind them with respect to the most important issues. Students are directly affected by inadequate classroom conditions such as large class sizes, lack of educational supports and need for access to effective professional development. These provisions are essential for teachers and EAs to provide optimal learning for all of their students, and must continue to be addressed.
What positive, student-centred ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
My immediate goal is to maintain the good work and positive environment that the present board of trustees and superintendency has established. I would be looking at ways for the division to optimize the use of funds inside our schools, looking for efficiencies wherever possible. I will push our school board to continue looking for ways to deal with the overall inadequacy of education funding, which must include lobbying government for increased support.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
I bring a wealth of expertise from 40 years spent in the field of education. I have seen the discipline from many points of view. I have worked in the largest school in the division as well as a smaller rural K-12 school. This broad range of experiences has shaped an understanding of the many challenges that exist. I will work hard to ensure that our school board provides as much support for students and staff as is fiscally possible, while continuing to lobby for rural divisions like ours at the provincial level.
Lyle Albrecht, Candidate for Ward 2, Beaver County
My name is Lyle Albrecht and I am running for re-election in ward #2 which now represents all of Beaver County.
I have lived in the Holden area all my life. After my grade 12 education in Holden I went into the workforce and held various jobs, eventually returning to take over the family farm.
I had served for many years on the Holden Fire Dept rising to the rank of Chief. Working with all levels of government, preparing budgets and prioritizing decisions were a part of the job then and parts of this carry over to the school trustee position.
I am a member of the Bruce Stampede Association and find working with this group of volunteers very rewarding as I have learned a very special type of community spirit here and am now able to pass it on to a younger generation.
What is your vision about student learning?
I believe that all students are capable of learning in their own way. Sometimes a "one style fits all approach" is not the best for all students. As a school division it is our duty to try and bring out the best learning models that work for the wide variety of students in our division.
What positive, student-centred ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
We need to ensure that our students have the basics to build off of to learn. The past 18 months has been very trying for educators and also for students. I want to ensure that no students fall through the cracks because of their time spent away from a structured learning environment. We need to identify any students that may be struggling and support them now, rather than create supplementary courses later on.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
I feel that I am very fair and open minded and can see what is best for the students. I listen to all parties that present their opinions and then make my decision. I realize that I represent the people and the students in the ward that elects me and always have time to listen to their concerns. If re-elected I will continue to make the decisions that I feel are in the best interests of the students, the staff and the schools in BRSD.
Melissa Rozema, Candidate for Ward 1, the City of Camrose
Hello my name is Melissa Rozema and I am running for BRSD Trustee Ward #1, City of Camrose.
I was born and raised in Camrose, attended K-12 within BRSD, went on to graduate as a Red Seal Journeyman Hairstylist. I currently work and operate my own business in the City of Camrose. My husband and I have two daughters currently attending Jack Stuart School.
As a business owner, I have grown to understand different processes. While I was starting my business, I was a practicum coordinator for Lakeland College. This allowed me to have a vision into systems, processes, work with students and professionals to gain interest into an educating system. I vastly grew as an individual in this role, still holding assets from my experience there. Advocating for my students was always a priority, and I hold that value to this day.
Now, having two kids of my own, I like to volunteer my time in the school, participating in various activities, taking in school assemblies, and helping council where I am able to. This allows me to support our school, teachers, and students. I have also volunteered my time to extra-curricular activities in the community (soccer, dance, Camrose Kodiaks), leading youth groups, and taking mission trips over seas.
I look forward to being able to use my experience and knowledge by bringing ideas to the table to achieve a successful and effective school model.
What is your vision about student learning?
I am very passionate about making sure no one feels segregated or left behind. I believe that all students have the right to an education, one that meets them where they are needed, and sets them up for success for years to come. This does not only zone in on academics, rather, being able to be active on team sports, building a community, creating a positive mental health building block.
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
As our world has changed and we have had to adapt over the past two years, I want to ensure the students needs are being met, teachers are supported where they need it most, and parents have a transparent plan. As a leader, I want to make sure that concerns are being navigated cautiously as we navigate changes that are tossed our way. When these things are obtained, our student body will flourish. Let’s celebrate the wins, creating positive interactions.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
Integrity is so important. I will advocate for those whom I represent, building relationships along the way. I want transparency between all parties, allowing the voices of students, staff & parents to be heard. I will work hard for you, and with you, creating an atmosphere students, staff and parents can thrive in. As a parent of two children in BRSD, this gives me a vested interest in not only the day-to-day policies and procedures, but also the long-term growth and sustainability of BRSD as a whole.
Karen Belich, Ward 3, Camrose County - elected by Acclamation
My name is Karen Belich, and I am running for re-election as Battle River School Division trustee, Camrose County.
I completed my K-12 education in BRSD prior to attaining a Bachelor of Arts from the UofA. Following that, I worked in a variety of positions in Calgary and Camrose as a Recreation Therapist working with preschool, youth, and seniors organizations. I currently farm with my husband and three children, in addition to serving as school board trustee for the 2017-2021 term.
Raising three children and supporting them as they move through school, the oldest entering grade 12 in the fall, has allowed me to gain an understanding of the education system from a parent perspective. After being elected as trustee in the last term, I have enjoyed serving on all committees of the board, learning and growing together. I have gained knowledge and experience about trusteeship which has allowed me to effectively advocate for education both locally and provincially.
I have served in a variety of volunteer roles in schools and community organizations. I believe volunteer work is not only essential to the success of all organizations, but also an asset personally as you get to know people and make connections while contributing to a broader initiative. I have enjoyed the people I have met and volunteered with along the way.
What is your vision about student learning?
I believe every student deserves a high quality education and to be supported in all aspects of learning; academic, physical and mental health and wellness. We have to listen to what students are looking for and be willing to adapt as needed. We are also living in an ever-changing world and forward thinking is needed as we support student learning.
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
I want to continue working together, sharing strengths among all students and schools to see student success become even stronger over the next four years. I believe that we need to listen to the voice of all students and be willing to meet each student where they are at, working together to provide environments for success.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
I am an honest and open person who desires to listen to all voices. I believe in public education and the importance of relationships and connections and I enjoy working with people. I also enjoy challenging myself to be open to new ideas and learn as much as possible. Over the past four years I have shown my ability to keep an open mind, listen to multiple perspectives, work with others to find and implement solutions. If elected again, I will strive to continue to engage with all stakeholders to support the work of all schools and communities within the division. I believe we all need to work together to ensure all children have opportunity and support to succeed in the path they choose.
Dwight Dibben - Ward 4, Flagstaff County - Elected by Acclamation
I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as a Trustee for the Battle River School Division for Flagstaff County.
I am a proud graduate of Forestburg High School, husband to Marnie and father to two adult children with our youngest daughter currently enrolled in Grade 8 in the Battle River School Division. I hold an Associate Diploma from Red Deer College, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, a Local Government Certificate from the Kennedy School at Harvard University and am currently a part-time student in the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.
Over the years I have served in various community, sport and school capacities including as a volleyball and basketball referee, baseball and soccer coach, and a board member for a number of provincial-based organizations including the Forum for Young Albertans and Science Alberta. I have always enjoyed being involved in the activities and undertakings of the various schools my three children have attended over the past 20 years – 7 schools in 4 different school divisions - actively participating in School Councils including serving as Chair of the Lakeland Ridge School Council in Sherwood Park. Most recently I have been proud to follow in my fathers footsteps and become a volunteer fire fighter with the Forestburg Fire Department.
What is your vision about Student Learning?
It is vital that we look beyond the traditional view of classroom learning when considering and then implementing the highest quality educational offerings for our students. Our focus needs to extend beyond the confines of bricks and mortar-based student learning and enable a broader educational offering in every instructional setting.
What positive, student-centered ideas do you have for moving Battle River School Division forward in its vision of student success over the next four years?
As society continue to change our attitudes and approaches to student learning need to not only follow these changes but anticipate and lead efforts to ensure our children are best prepared for success in their personal and professional futures. Flexibility and adaptability in our core and elective program offerings will help ensure a quality educational opportunity and experience for all our students.
What do you feel are the most important qualities you would bring to the role of trustee?
I believe in open, honest, and frank conversation, communication, and debate. I try to ensure that all points of view are brought to decision-making, and I believe in challenging assumptions and the status-quo to ensure all options are explored and the best decision is taken. I endeavour to lead by example and not ask of others anything I am not prepared to do myself.