From left to right: Jamie Coston, Brent Buchanan, Board Chair Luci Henry, Karla Danser, Vice Chair Lana Thompson, and Paula Law. (Supplied)

By Luci Henry

Op-Ed

Looking Ahead Together: Introducing the Wolf Creek Board of Trustees

Dec 23, 2025 | 2:40 PM

“As 2025 comes to a close and we look ahead to the year before us, this is a moment of reflection, renewal, and renewed commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve across our division.

Public education is at its strongest when it reflects the voices, experiences, and values of the communities it represents. Our Board, newly elected in the fall, brings together trustees who are parents and grandparents, former educators, municipal leaders, volunteers, and lifelong residents of Wolf Creek communities, and I am pleased to introduce the Board to you. Each trustee brings a deep personal connection to our schools and a shared understanding of the responsibility entrusted to us.

I am Luci Henry, and I am honoured to continue serving as Board Chair alongside Vice Chair Lana Thompson, who represents Ponoka. As a parent with children currently in Wolf Creek schools, Lana brings an important perspective shaped by lived experience. Her commitment to transparency, collaboration, and student wellness helps ensure family voices remain central to Board decision-making. As Board Chair, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Wolf Creek Public Schools in my third term as trustee. As a long-time resident of Clive and a former WCPS parent, I bring many years of community and municipal leadership experience to this role, along with a deep belief in the importance of strong, inclusive public education.

We also welcome three first-term trustees: Paula Law, Jamie Coston, and Karla Danser. Paula brings extensive experience in municipal governance, business, and regional leadership, strengthening the Board’s long-term planning and advocacy work. Jamie offers valuable insight from years of supporting students and staff directly within Wolf Creek schools, along with a strong focus on literacy, mental health, and belonging. Karla brings a multigenerational connection to Wolf Creek, firsthand experience supporting children with diverse learning needs, and a deep commitment to parent engagement and community advocacy.

Returning trustee Brent Buchanan provides continuity and perspective shaped by a lifetime in education. His experience as a teacher, administrator, and provincial representative supports the Board’s work in advocating for equity, strong leadership, and student success.

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As we enter a new year, our Board remains focused on listening to our communities, supporting student well-being, advocating for sustainable and predictable funding, and ensuring our schools remain welcoming, inclusive places where every learner can thrive.

On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank our students, staff, families, and community partners for their continued trust and support.

We look forward to the year ahead with optimism, purpose, and a shared belief in the power of public education to shape strong futures for our communities. Have a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season, and all the very best in the year ahead.”

Luci Henry, is the Board Chair for Wolf Creek Public Schools. Wolf Creek Public Schools Board is served by Trustees representing the communities and rural areas of Alix, Bentley, Blackfalds, Bluffton, Clive, Eckville, Lacombe, Ponoka, and Rimbey. Serving approximately 7,300 students, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, WCPS employs approximately 412 teachers and 350 support staff in 30 schools, including five colony schools, throughout the Division.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.