Yellowknife (Oct 22/03) - The Yellowknife Catholic school board election was positively saintly compared to their controversial public counterparts.

Five of the six incumbents maintained their seats, with Shannon Gullberg leading the race the whole night.

Current trustee Raymond St. Arnaud was squeezed out by 31 votes, losing to newcomer Amy Hacala.

Hacala is a graphic designer currently on maternity leave. She is a product of the Catholic school district, having grown up in Yellowknife.

"I really think it's important to contribute to your community," Hacala said of her decision to run.

Larry Purcka, current chair of the board, was pleased as he milled around City Hall.

"I think the board will be good and strong again," he said.

Purcka said he is prepared to tackle issues Yellowknife Catholic Schools is facing in the current fiscal year, and will look for increased funding.

"We have to try to boost up our surplus in some way," said Purcka.

The contract of superintendent Kern Von Hagen is also an issue to deal with, as his term ends June 30 2006.

As the results were coming in Purcka was still pondering whether to run for chairperson again.

"I'm going to have to think about it," he said.

City council:

Here are the final election results for city council:

1. Bob Brooks - 2,278 E
2. Wendy Bisaro - 2,188 E
3. David McCann - 2,059 E
4. Blake Lyons - 1,912 E
5. Kevin O'Reilly - 1,824 E
6. Mark Heyck - 1,759 E
7. Doug Witty - 1,698 E
8. Alan Woytuik - 1,687 E
9. Paul Falvo - 1,219
10. Kirby Marshall - 1,158
11. Dave Paul - 937
12. Clark Marcino - 830
13. Dane Gibson - 806
14. Bob Ross - 773
15. David Ritchie - 763
16. Jim Cunningham - 564
17. Neil Sutherland - 492

* E -- denotes elected

School Board:

Yellowknife Education District No. 1

Elected

David Lovell -- 1730
Reanna Erasmus -- 1350
Terry Brookes -- 1340
Duff Spence -- 1000
Dale Thomson -- 946
Lavona Clarke -- 742
Keith Scott -- 741

Not elected

Debbie Weir -- 724
Mary Lou Cherwaty -- 671
Mildred Wilke -- 633
Steven Meister -- 569
Rob Meckling -- 498
Dan Schofield -- 488
Brenda Kolson -- 452
Maureen Miller -- 450
Yvonne MacKean -- 393
Roy Desjarlais -- 364

Yellowknife Catholic School board

Elected

Shannon Gullberg -- 736
Larry Purcka -- 659
Mary Vane -- 567
Jane Haley -- 564
Debbi Ross -- 551
Brian Nagel -- 507
Amy Hacala -- 475

Not elected

Raymond St. Arnaud -- 444