Trudy Bratland has served as board trustee for Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) for 13 years, five of which she served as vice chairman and chairman.
She has enjoyed her time on the board and is hoping to continue.
“I love it,” she said. “I love the work. There are a lot of good things happening and I would like to be part of our continued successes.
Bratland admits that working to ensure students have the opportunity of acquiring the best education possible does present challenges that are often difficult to overcome.
“Running a school division with inadequate funding is difficult. Our special needs funding has not increased, but our student numbers have. That, in itself, is very challenging.”
She noted the School Act is now under scrutiny and there are ongoing discussions regarding rules and regulations.
Her experience with working with the different governments in power will help give her a solid foundation in dealing with issues and challenges that will need to be faced in the future, she said.
“It requires a lot of reading and learning and being informed,” Bratland offered. “It is becoming more intense and more time consuming. But even with the continual changes, I still very much enjoy learning and meeting the challenges of providing the best education for our students.”
Bratland, who is a mom and a grandma, sees the WCPS district as on the right direction and she is grateful to be a part of the decision making process. She is pleased to note that she has been encouraged to run again by many people.
“I truly do enjoy it and it’s good for your soul to know so many people are behind you. Education is so important.”
Bratland is running against newcomer Melinda McLauchlin for the WCPS Ward 3 trustee spot.