YORKTON, Sask. — With voting day one day away, Good Spirit School Division trustee candidate Isabel O'Soup gathered supporters and community members at Yorkton's City Park on Sept. 22, encouraging residents to take a greater interest in local education and cast a ballot in the Sept. 23 school board election.
The community rally featured free chili, bannock, vegetable soup, pizza, live music and a bouncy castle, creating a family-friendly atmosphere while raising awareness about the election and the role school trustees play in shaping education.
"Education is important to all of us," O'Soup said. "Education knows no colours. So we want everybody to get out and vote."
O'Soup said increasing awareness of school board elections has been a key part of her campaign. She noted that during her 12 years living in Yorkton, she has seen little public promotion surrounding trustee elections and believes many residents remain unaware of their importance.
"I'm trying to get people to come out and vote who've never voted before," she said. "But I also want them to know that their voice matters. If we want to contribute in making that change, this is the way to do it."
The Yorkton at-large candidate said community involvement in education extends beyond the classroom and begins with residents taking part in decisions that affect local schools.
O'Soup said many residents are unfamiliar with what school trustees do and how they influence educational priorities, policies and budgeting decisions within the division.
School trustees are elected representatives responsible for setting division priorities, approving budgets, developing policies and hiring and evaluating the director of education. While trustees do not manage the day-to-day operations of schools, they help guide decisions that affect students, staff and families across the division.
"People don't know," O'Soup said. "Education is important. It should be important to everybody. This is hopefully the way I can help contribute to that in a positive way."
The rally was designed to attract families and provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the election. O'Soup said the event's children-focused activities reflected the reason she decided to run.
"We need to do something for kids, and it's all about the kids, honestly," she said. "They're just as important to be here."
The event also served as a way to connect directly with voters and spark conversations about education. O'Soup said holding the gathering in a public space made it easier to engage residents who may not otherwise follow school board politics.
"I'm not saying anything bad about the other candidates, but if you want people to know, this is the best way to do it," she said. "At least they can learn. They can know what's going on."
Residents will vote Sept. 23 to elect trustees to the Good Spirit School Division board. Voting will take place at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery in Yorkton, with O'Soup among four candidates seeking election in the Yorkton at-large race.
