Technology is critical to children’s success as they move into an increasingly electronic future, says one of the candidates running for school trustee in Rocky View Schools Ward 5.

“The world is so fast changing,” said Judi Hunter this week. “Are we on track for what needs to be preparing them for down the road?”

Hunter is one of three people vying to represent the school division in Bearspaw, Bragg Creek and Springbank in the ward, which was left vacant when former RVS board chair Colleen Munro stepped down to run for county councillor. The area also includes Westbrook School north of Cochrane.

Springbank resident and father of four Dan Cavanagh, who has been a teacher, assistant principal and principal, and Bragg Creek mother of three Kristyn Schmidt – who has a degree in political science – round out the choices for voters.

Hunter worked for the Calgary Board of Education in the technology department and said she has a passion to connect kids with the wired world around them.

“By age two, they’re pretty functional with iPads. There’s lots of skills that they learn from using a computer,” she said. “We do want them to be outside, we want them to appreciate nature … so there’s a balance. In today’s world, learning to use those tools … is what will help them adapt and grow.”

Elections take place Oct. 16.