A number of Red Deerians have thrown their hat into the election ring in hopes of becoming a school trustee.

Eleven people have put their names forward for Red Deer Public School trustee. There are seven positions to be filled on that board.

Matt Chapin, Bill Christie, Kaliana Johnston, Lisa Johnston, Lianne Kruger, Lawrence Lee, Dick Lemke, Dianne Macaulay, Bev Manning, Cathy Peacocke and Bill Stuebing will eye a spot on the public board.

Stuebing, who has served 15 years on the public board, many of those years as chair of the board, said he’s seeking another term because he enjoys his position.

“There are a couple of reasons I am running again and the first reason is that one has a sense of obligation as a citizen. This is an area I know something about and I can make a contribution and I think over the years I’ve been on the board I’ve made a difference,” he said. “The other side of it is that I derive personal satisfaction out of it too. It’s become an important part of my life.”

Christie has served on public school boards in B.C. for 25 years and since moving to Red Deer is now seeking a seat on the local board.

“We’ve lived here since 2007,” he said. “I think I can contribute my time and my efforts and experience. The basis of my decision making would be what is in the best interest of the students.”

Lisa Johnston said she would like to secure a seat on the board because she has a passion for the kids.

“I’ve been involved in the school system for 15 years since my kids started school so I have an interest in it,” she said. “I want this opportunity to be involved in the school system further. I think I would bring heart, dedication and drive.”

Seven Red Deerians will also seek a spot on the Red Deer Catholic School Board. There are five spots available on this board.

David Bouchard, Elaine Halter, Adriana LaGrange, Christine Moore, Guy Pelletier, Duane Rolheiser and Anne Marie Watson will all seek the position on the Catholic board.

Halter is seeking re-election after serving 12 years on the Catholic board.

“I have a real passion for Catholic education,” she said. “I really enjoy being on the Catholic school board and I think I have energy and passion to continue serving.”

Watson, who ran in the 2007 election and 2008 by-election, is hoping for a seat on the board.

“I want to ensure the long-term viability of our Catholic school system and I want to look for sustainable, predictable funding for education in Alberta,” she said.

Bouchard, who has been a teacher in Red Deer for 30 years, said he believes he could make a contribution to the board.

“I believe I have experience I can offer to the school board after being a teacher for so many years,” he said. “Now that I have grandchildren in the school system I think it’s important to preserve Catholic education for their sakes.”

The municipal election will take place Oct. 18.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com