Adam Hicks is the Regina Board of Education Trustee for Subdivision 3.
Hello Regina Public Schools Community!
I am thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey with the Regina Board of Education.
My family has a long history of service in this wonderful city. My great aunt, Mary Hicks, served on the Board for eight terms (24 years) in the 80's and 90's. Looking even further back, my great, great, great grandfather served 15 years in the early 1900's. In fact, Balfour Collegiate, one of our schools is named after him. I am honoured to continue this legacy of service to our community, and specifically, to improving the lives of all our students.
As a proud University of Regina business graduate, CPA, and professional board director (ICD), I have had the honour of serving two terms on the Regina Board of Education. I am excited to embark on my third term, which will extend until 2028. It has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated individuals in our schools, our division office, and our School Community Councils (SCCs).
Our SCCs are comprised of volunteers who pour countless hours into enriching our children’s lives, often with little fanfare but with enormous hearts. Thank you to all our staff and volunteers who are working to make a difference each and every day. I wholeheartedly believe in the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our community, working hand in hand, can make a lasting impact. Building relationships is key and having even one trusted adult or a reciprocal friendship in school can significantly improve a student’s chances of success. Every positive relationship results in positive outcomes for students.
There are several innovative and unique programs that have been established to build brighter futures for Regina Public Schools students. Programs such as STEAM Academy at F.W. Johnson Collegiate, Martin Academy, Balfour Arts Collective, Scott Police Academy, and Campus Regina Public deserve celebration. I invite all readers to learn more about these programs that are making a difference for students across Regina.
As we continue our education journey, it is good to remember that each step we take, no matter how small, contributes to a larger journey toward a brighter future for all students. Let’s continue to support, celebrate, and amplify these efforts, as well as the contributions of the School Community Councils. As a trustee, I pledge to continue advocating for and supporting better futures for all young people in our 60 schools and programs.
I invite all Regina ratepayers and citizens to explore our annual report. It highlights the numerous opportunities your Board continues to focus on. One key area is the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) graduation rates. While we have seen some progress, there is still much work to be done. Did you know that on-time graduation rates for FNMI students in 2024 are approximately 50%? With 18% of our 27,000 students self-identifying as Indigenous, it is crucial that we, as a community, strive to do better—every child truly matters.
The Division’s Strategic Plan demonstrates our commitment to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and working towards increased Indigenous student achievement. I encourage everyone to browse the Strategic Plan available.
With a robust financial background, I have consistently chaired the Audit and Finance Committee and served as Chair and Vice-Chair during my time on the School Board. Beyond the required Board duties, I have attended countless voluntary events and meetings, demonstrating my dedication to our community. I have tirelessly advocated for personal finance education (a personal finance class is now available in every high school across Saskatchewan), mental health programs, and numerous other important initiatives.
Over my terms, our school division – the second largest in the province – has tackled a number of issues that made national news, such as the Davin school renaming (now The Crescents School), a contentious Board vote relating to the use of Pride flags in the school division, a succession of Director/CEO hirings, and a significant cyber-attack, just to name a few.
Apart from my role on the School Board, I volunteer hundreds of hours yearly to make Regina the best place to live. I am deeply involved in leading community initiatives and improvements, always rolling up my sleeves to get things done.
I am also a devoted parent of two, committed to serving our community. I ensure that the opinions of parents, school division employees, and most importantly, our students are heard. I am known for my enthusiasm, creative thinking, and critical eye for detail, always challenging the status quo while focusing on crucial goals.
My daughter attends French Immersion at Dr. A.E. Perry School, and my son attends high school at Campbell Collegiate. As a trustee, I bring, not only professional experience but also personal insight into the needs of our schools through my children's activities.
My belief remains rooted in my election slogans, “We all benefit from an educated society.” I will continue advocating for our students based on the belief that education lifts us all up.
Do you know Regina Board of Education Trustees submit quarterly updates on the meetings and events they attend? These reports don't account for the hundreds of hours of prep work, phone calls, and emails that go into preparing for Board Meetings and advocacy work. Here’s a high-level summary of my quarterly reports from 2016 to September 30, 2024:
- 283 Board Meetings and Official Board Events
- 201 School Community Council Meetings and Events
- 146 Student Events
- 203 Community Meetings and Events
- 122 Stakeholder Meetings and Events
- 66 Regina Public Employee Events
- 46 Leadership or Training Sessions and Events
All trustees are dedicated to providing a strong voice for our students, staff, and parents.
Giving back to the community that trusts me is a core value of mine. I have been and will remain active in the community. In addition to attending as many School Community Council Meetings as possible each year, I attend Community Association Meetings in all areas of Subdivision 3. I am also a Board Member of the following organizations:
- Albert Park Community Association - Director (2016-present)
- Summer Bash Festival & Summer Market - Chair & Event Organizer (2017-present)
- Conexus Credit Union - Director (2019-present)
- University of Regina Senate - Senate Member (2021-present)
In the past, I have served in various roles, including:
- South Zone Recreational Board Community Association Representative (2017-2023)
- Wascana Winter Festival (formerly Waskimo) Board Member (2017-2024)
- Various Provincial Committees & Organizations since 2003
I am dedicated to making a lasting difference. My goal is to build our community up. I personally believe in leaving this world a better place than I found it. I dedicate not only my time and talents, but also my treasures to our community. I donate to many causes every year, and my family and I have founded a legacy fund through the Community Foundation to support early education for inner-city youth.
Together, we can make a difference. I look forward to your continued support, celebration, and amplification of the efforts of our School Community Councils. Our teamwork builds a brighter future for all students.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Updated December, 2024
Subdivision 3 schools:
- Argyle School
- Harbour Landing School
- Lakeview School
- Ethel Milliken School
- Dr. A.E. Perry School
- Sheldon-Williams Collegiate
