EXETER – With an accommodation review process recently completed, a transition is ahead for many area students, some of whom may be headed to new schools starting in 2012.

Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) trustee Randy Wagler has been around for part of that process, and says he'd like to see it through.

Wagler, a 52-year-old chemical engineer from Exeter, is seeking re-election as the AMDSB trustee for Southwest Huron, an area that includes the municipalities of South Huron and Bluewater.

Wagler is in his 10th year as a trustee and is seeking another four year-term in this October's election.

In an interview, Wagler told the Times-Advocate he'd like to ensure the transition for local students is successful, and ensure it's a smooth transition for everyone.

He noted the school board is facing declining enrollment, something he said will affect the board's secondary schools.

"I’d like to work towards seeing how we can continue to deliver sustainable, quality education in secondary schools in the face of declining enrollment," Wagler added.

"We need to look at that in the next few years, and I think overall just continue to improve the quality of education that we have for all our students and make sure that all of them are successful."

Wagler said his current term has been challenging, and added that an accommodation review is not something taken lightly.

"It’s not an easy task, but at the same time it’s one that we, and I certainly believe, is a necessary one if we’re going to have sustained, quality education in the future in light of the challenges we face around ... declining enrollment."

Wagler said the board has funding constraints, adding the accommodation review choices were difficult because in this case it resulted in closing two schools – Usborne and Zurich Public.

"That’s very difficult for all the communities," he said. “It’s been challenging, but at the same time I think it’s been necessary also.”

Wagler said he thinks the decline in elementary school enrollment will move forward into secondary schools, though he said that may take four or five years to fully come through.

"The question is, how do we deliver quality education in a rural setting ... and continue to offer the breadth of programs that our students would like ... in high schools that maybe aren’t as large as we’ve had in the past?" Wagler said.

“I think that’s a big challenge, and one I’d like to see us have a good road map ... and start to execute that in the next four years."

Wagler said his goals if elected include continually trying to listen to people, and to meet with school councils to get input.

He listed making trustees available to municipal leaders when they have questions as another goal.

Wagler said he counts it a privilege to be able to represent the area, adding that for him, education is what levels the playing field.

"I am committing to continue to try to both sustain and improve the quality of education for our students, because many of them will stay, but many will also likely leave our area, just because of the jobs that we have in this area," Wagler said.

"We know some will leave, and we want to make sure that we can compete – and we in this country and in Huron County can compete – on a global level.

“To me, having high-quality education is the foundation for making sure we can compete in the future and that all our students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“That’s why I’m running.”

At press time, Wagler was the only candidate for the Southwest Huron trustee position listed on the Municipality of South Huron’s nomination register.