Priorities that will be the focus for Lorraine
Honor and Respect that every child matters.
There has been considerable work done in the division to support all children, including those who are Indigenous, vulnerable and marginalized.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to continuing the work with the Board and Senior Executive to continue expansion of this work including our Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our conversations; and to paying attention to and supporting the needs of the racialized community, those who identify as LGBTQ2+, students with diverse learning needs, and students with diverse mental health needs.
Address the concerns in the Draft K-12 Curriculum
The government has announced that it will implement the draft curriculum in September 2022. There are many concerns with the draft, and the Board must be diligent about providing research-based evidence for the changes that are required.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to advocating to the government to ensure that there is a valid process for government to accept, review and seriously consider the feedback and input from division experts. I will also advocate for implementation to be delayed to ensure a thorough feedback process.
Work with the public and municipal partners in exploring sustainability of the west end communities of our division.
Some initial conversations have occurred with Parkland County mayor and councillors regarding the sustainability of the west end communities of Duffield, Wabamun, Tomahawk and Entwistle.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to continuing the conversations and inviting the Board and our stakeholders to have conversations about sustainability and growth. A healthy community supports a healthy school.
Monitor the continuing impact of COVID-19 during the pandemic
There have been many challenges during the pandemic and the Board will need to continue to monitor the effects that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on students, staff, families and systems.
I acknowledge that everyone is impacted in different ways and, as a returning trustee, I will listen to each story to ensure that I gain an understanding of all perspectives.
Advocate for spaces that are required for learning
Parkland School Division experienced growth in enrolment from 10,750 students in 2017 to approximately 11,600 students anticipated in 2021. Growth trends in certain areas of Parkland School Division are evident, more specifically in Stony Plain and Spruce Grove which are attended by some students in Ward 2. Government funding has been received for a replacement school at Stony Plain Central School and modernizations at K-9 schools in Spruce Grove. A looming concern for the Board is the capacity at Spruce Grove Composite High School.
As a returning trustee, I will encourage us to advocate appropriately to government to ensure that our school needs are part of the government's capital plan and schools are renovated or built in a timely manner to accommodate our student growth. This includes Parkland Village School, which is on the Division's Capital Plan for the future.
Enhance and expand Programs of Choice in Parkland School Division
The division provides a variety of alternative programming to meet a variety of needs for students in the division. Collaboration and partnerships have expanded learning opportunities so that learning spaces can extend beyond classrooms, whiteboards, gyms, labs and cafeterias.
As a returning trustee, I will encourage the exploration of alternative programming options for the west end school communities.
Enhance communication and stakeholder engagement
Timely, relevant, open and appropriate two-way communication is critical to building relationships, enhancing understanding and making the most informed decisions possible. There has been considerable work done to enhance engagement opportunities for parents, community, organizations and government.
As a returning trustee, I will be diligent about ensuring our communication is reciprocal, respectful and reasonable. I will continue to work towards stakeholder engagement that provides varied opportunities for input and feedback.
There has been considerable work done in the division to support all children, including those who are Indigenous, vulnerable and marginalized.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to continuing the work with the Board and Senior Executive to continue expansion of this work including our Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our conversations; and to paying attention to and supporting the needs of the racialized community, those who identify as LGBTQ2+, students with diverse learning needs, and students with diverse mental health needs.
Address the concerns in the Draft K-12 Curriculum
The government has announced that it will implement the draft curriculum in September 2022. There are many concerns with the draft, and the Board must be diligent about providing research-based evidence for the changes that are required.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to advocating to the government to ensure that there is a valid process for government to accept, review and seriously consider the feedback and input from division experts. I will also advocate for implementation to be delayed to ensure a thorough feedback process.
Work with the public and municipal partners in exploring sustainability of the west end communities of our division.
Some initial conversations have occurred with Parkland County mayor and councillors regarding the sustainability of the west end communities of Duffield, Wabamun, Tomahawk and Entwistle.
As a returning trustee, I am committed to continuing the conversations and inviting the Board and our stakeholders to have conversations about sustainability and growth. A healthy community supports a healthy school.
Monitor the continuing impact of COVID-19 during the pandemic
There have been many challenges during the pandemic and the Board will need to continue to monitor the effects that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on students, staff, families and systems.
I acknowledge that everyone is impacted in different ways and, as a returning trustee, I will listen to each story to ensure that I gain an understanding of all perspectives.
Advocate for spaces that are required for learning
Parkland School Division experienced growth in enrolment from 10,750 students in 2017 to approximately 11,600 students anticipated in 2021. Growth trends in certain areas of Parkland School Division are evident, more specifically in Stony Plain and Spruce Grove which are attended by some students in Ward 2. Government funding has been received for a replacement school at Stony Plain Central School and modernizations at K-9 schools in Spruce Grove. A looming concern for the Board is the capacity at Spruce Grove Composite High School.
As a returning trustee, I will encourage us to advocate appropriately to government to ensure that our school needs are part of the government's capital plan and schools are renovated or built in a timely manner to accommodate our student growth. This includes Parkland Village School, which is on the Division's Capital Plan for the future.
Enhance and expand Programs of Choice in Parkland School Division
The division provides a variety of alternative programming to meet a variety of needs for students in the division. Collaboration and partnerships have expanded learning opportunities so that learning spaces can extend beyond classrooms, whiteboards, gyms, labs and cafeterias.
As a returning trustee, I will encourage the exploration of alternative programming options for the west end school communities.
Enhance communication and stakeholder engagement
Timely, relevant, open and appropriate two-way communication is critical to building relationships, enhancing understanding and making the most informed decisions possible. There has been considerable work done to enhance engagement opportunities for parents, community, organizations and government.
As a returning trustee, I will be diligent about ensuring our communication is reciprocal, respectful and reasonable. I will continue to work towards stakeholder engagement that provides varied opportunities for input and feedback.
Land Acknowledgement
I would like to acknowledge, with respect, that my family is located on the traditional lands of the Treaty 6 Indigenous people. We honor those whose footsteps have travelled these lands for years. We strive to work towards reconciliation and healing for all.
I would like to acknowledge, with respect, that my family is located on the traditional lands of the Treaty 6 Indigenous people. We honor those whose footsteps have travelled these lands for years. We strive to work towards reconciliation and healing for all.