Questions

This is difficult to ascertain given the nature of the work. Trustees are expected to attend board meetings, committee meetings, planning retreat,  budget working sessions, Superintendent’s evaluation, Board evaluation, working sessions, special meetings called by the Board Chair based on need and special circumstances, Alberta School Boards Association General Meetings (fall and spring), school council meetings, Committee of School Councils meetings, and school tours. There are months where the workload is time sensitive and very demanding and months where the work is less so.

It is essential that the board be comprised of many people from different areas of experience. We are in a situation where we have 7 of 9 seats up for election with only one of the two acclamation being an incumbent.This means that we potentially have a limited historic perspective. Folks from different areas of experience bring perspectives needed to have fulsome debate. Different skill sets can contribute strengths in areas of governance, strategic planning, communication, leadership, financial literacy, and much more.

We are one of the largest school divisions in Alberta in both geographic area and student population. We are faced with issues impacting education in urban and rural areas which further complicate an already complex transportation funding model. We have aging infrastructure and are fiscally constrained due to funding relying heavily on the government to fund capital projects.

I don’t have any other work obligations and look forward to engaging with stakeholders.

I am very familiar with the Board Policy Handbook and the Public School Trustee Candidate Handbook. I have relationships with several past trustees and through my involvement with ASCA have interacted with the Alberta School Board Association as well as the Public School Boards of Alberta. I have participated in Assurance Reviews for several years and have received budget presentations from multiple superintendents. I understand how the funding manual is delivered and how funds are allocated to meet the needs of the school division.

I understand the unique issues affecting education in this area. We are faced with issues impacting education that require clear and competent representation, understanding of provincial legislation and how it impacts local policy development, and a familiarity with the history of education in this area. I was involved with school council at Fultonvale when Colchester School was closed. I attended Colchester meetings, was involved in welcoming Colchester students, families and staff when they joined Fultonvale as a cohort, and advocated to the board of trustees to grandfather bussing students from the previous Colchester catchment area to Fultonvale. Similarly, I was involved on school council at Fultonvale when the decision was made to close Ministik School. I welcomed Ministik families to attend Fultonvale school council and invited the superintendent to speak to the issues arising as another cohort was being welcomed into Fultonvale. I have advocated for affordable transportation, reasonable bell times, safety concerns, modernization issues, and countless other issues that have impacted our community. I have had a good working relationship with our trustees over the years and believe that a good trustee is a good listener and responsive to the needs of their community. A good trustee carries the voice of their electorate to the board table and speaks on behalf of their community keeping in mind the needs of all students and ultimately making decisions in the best interest of all students in Elk Island Public Schools. I understand how the budget is allocated from the government and within Elk Island Public Schools. I understand capital requests and classroom pressures. I know how to advocate for adequate, predictable, stable provincial funding of education in Alberta.

I support the EIPS 4 Year Education Plan Goals as written. With the changes to curriculum we must continue to focus on promoting growth and success for all students. Enhancing high-quality learning and working environment continues to prioritize infrastructure, evidence-based learning and the provision of safe, caring, welcoming, and respectful learning environments for all. Enhancing public education through effective engagement includes ensuring that parents and caregivers are informed and have their voices heard.