The Board of Yellowknife Education District No. 1 is the longest serving publicly elected school board in the Northwest Territories. Current board members continue a 65 year tradition which recognizes excellence and the critical importance of public education in Yellowknife .
Seven publicly elected officials serve as YK1 Trustees. The Board plays a key role in the continued success of the district and the 1900 students it serves. Accountability, strategic thinking, financial responsibility, and commitment are among the strengths of this dedicated group.
Strategic thinking, commitment and financial accountability are just some of the key ingredients that our Trustees bring to YK1. Today's Trustees serve six unique public schools in Yellowknife and provide quality educational services to 1900 students.
During their time 'in office', Trustees attend monthly board meetings and participate in regularly scheduled board-level committees meetings. In addition, board members make every effort to increase their awareness and understanding of community concerns and school-based issues by attending monthly Parent Advisory Committee meetings, public gatherings and community events.
Yellowknife Education District No. 1 Trustees play a vital role in the continued success of the District. These individuals lead with diligence and sound judgment, always with the best interests of students at heart. YK1 policy makers guide the next generation into the future and do their part to contribute to a strong community and a well-functioning society.
Terry Brookes
Home Telephone: 873-8440
E-Mail: terry_brookes@learnnet.nt.ca
YK1 is fortunate to have Terry serving the School Board once again, in this his 17th year as Trustee. Terry personally believes in YK1’s motto, “Educating for Life,” and as a professional engineer sees himself as a life-long learner.
Having had four children pass through the YK1 system, Terry has been able to see first-hand the high quality educational experiences available to Yellowknife students. Terry’s children graduated from Sir John High School and went on to complete their university educations. Three of Terry's children have since returned to Yellowknife where they currently work.
Terry is a strong advocate for the District and continues to share ideas and suggestions of how to make things even better! He is a member of several professional organizations and community support groups. He is an avid amateur magician and loves to share his talents with children and adults alike. In his spare time, Terry enjoys refereeing both soccer and hockey.
Duff Spence
Home Telephone: 873-8220
E-Mail: duff@theedge.ca
Duff was born and raised in Yellowknife. He attended YK1 schools throughout his education, leaving only to attend university. Upon his return Duff was employed by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) for 10 years and then moved to several other opportunities in the field of Information Technology.
Duff has two children who currently attend school in YK1. He is actively involved with the school system, serves on a number of community boards and coaches soccer.
Mira Hall
Home Telephone: 445-5626
E-Mail: mirahall@gmail.com
Mira Hall was born in Yellowknife and is currently raising her two children here. Both of her children attend YK1 schools and through her involvement in their schools she became passionate about ensuring that the children of YK1 have positive experiences that inspire them and prepare them for life.
Mira has volunteered with a variety of community-based and national organizations dedicated to social justice issues.
Blake Lyons
Home Telephone: 873-2730
E-Mail: blakelyons@theedge.ca
The Lyons family - Blake, Maureen and three children - arrived in Yellowknife in March, 1980. The present family count is Blake, Maureen, four children and eight grandchildren.
Blake has been involved in sports (as a coach and player), theatrics, charities, Arctic Winter Games, local politics and Caribou Carnival since he arrived. He is presently active in the Northern Employee Benefits Services, Denendeh Investments Inc. and the YK Seniors' Society.
In keeping with our motto of "Educating for Life" one of his goals this year is to improve his French.
Reanna Erasmus
Home Telephone: 873-5915
E-Mail: reanna.erasmus@yk1.nt.ca
Reanna is a long-time Northerner and resident of Ndilo; she describes herself as a mother, wife and caregiver. She is passionate about education and has been involved in this area, in various capacities,for over 30 years. Reanna has worked with Pre-school, Kindergarten to Grade 12 and university level students, and has also been involved with the Aboriginal Head Start program, Yellowknives Dene First Nations for 14 years.
Reanna has been on the Board of Trustees with YK1 since 2003. Areas of special interest for Reanna include quality education for all children, Aboriginal Language and culture-based programming in schools and the elimination of systemic racism.
John Stephenson, Vice-Chairperson
Home Telephone: 920-4521
E-Mail: jstephkjohn@hotmail.com
John was elected to the YK1 board in 2009 and brings many years of parental involvement in his children's schools. John’s volunteer school service included President of Canadian Parents for French, YK1 Chapter and Parent Advisory Committee Chairperson, Ecole J.H. Sissons. John has four children, all of whom attend or have attended YK1 schools. The two older children are graduates of Ecole Sir John Franklin High School and the University of Alberta. The two younger children attend Ecole William McDonald Middle School.
Volunteer community service continues to be a big part of John’s life, including coaching, officiating and trail development/maintenance with the Yellowknife Ski Club and officiating and coaching with the Yellowknife Speed Skating Club. John is currently the Vice President of the Yellowknife Ski Club and was recognized by Cross Country Canada as Volunteer of the Year.
A resident of Yellowknife since 1974, John had a 30 year career with the Government of the NWT in administration and policy areas before retiring in 2010.
Allan Shortt, Chairperson
Home Telephone: 445-1927
E-Mail: allan.shortt@clarkbuilders.com
A well-known northerner, Allan moved to Yellowknife in 1978 to work for PCL as a site superintendent. Over the past 30 years Allan has constructed buildings all over the NWT and Nunavut. He is presently the senior construction superintendent for Clark Builders in Yellowknife. Allan is an active community member, respected leader and successful businessman. The proud father of two daughters who attend YK1 schools, Allan has been a long-time supporter of the YK1 school district.
Along with his passion to make a difference in education, Allan brings extensive knowledge and experience in the construction industry to his role as trustee. Allan is a strong community supporter whose recent volunteer activities include Logistic Coordinator for the 2008 Arctic Winter Games and past Vice President of the Yellowknife Elks Club.
