Making the most of their budgets to give your kids every advantage possible is just some of the duties of a school board trustee.

Ward 4 of the Wolf Creek Public School Board, which covers Bentley and Eckville, has two people running for the trustee position this year, both of whom were at the Bentley Election Forum last week to discuss the issues and answer the public’s question.

Challenger and retired teacher Gwen Olsen says the Bentley forum gave her an opportunity to meet voters, and also meet the mayoral and council candidates from Bentley.

“It was a great opportunity to meet some of the leaders of Bentley, and a great opportunity for both Pam and I to let people know what trusteeship is about, and let people know a little bit about ourselves so they can make an informed decision.”

Olsen also talks about the importance of school trustees, and how it's up to them to make the budget go as far as possible for your children.

“We set the budget for all of the schools. We get so much money for the government, but it’s the trustee’s job to make sure that that money is used in the best way possible to bring out the maximum learning opportunities for students in the division.”

Incumbent Pamela Hansen says public forums give representatives a chance to get to know people on a more personal level.

“I thought it (Bentley forum) was good and there was some good questions asked. I’m really involved in Bentley and Eckville. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the town of Eckville better, and the people there, because I do live in Bentley, and I think I have good relationships there and I’ve worked really hard at their schools.”

Hansen says some residents don't know the importance of voting for a trustee if they don't have children currently going to school, or live in Bentley or Eckville.

“We’re spending tax payers money, almost 90 million dollars a year, and I think it’s important that people understand that even though they don’t live right in the town of Bentley or in the town of Eckville, that all rural citizens in our ward can vote.”

You can vote for your school board trustee as well as all other city, county, and town council positions in less than a week, on Monday October 16th.

(Olsen and Hansen on stage during the Bentley Election Forum back on Wednesday, October 4th)