Decision-making in 2017-2021 as a Trustee
As a member of the Board and trustee from Ward 2, I worked hard to bring forward issues, perspectives and stories from those in Ward 2, and, in turn, provided the School Councils with relevant and pertinent information. However, it needs to be noted that, as a Ward 2 trustee, I was also responsible to consider the needs of all students in the division from all Wards when making decisions. I made my decisions using the children's filter, 'How will this decision affect children? Is this decision in the best interests of all children in the division?'
Being informed, thoughtful, and reflective and demonstrating respectful attitudes, behaviours and leadership
The Board of Trustees is a collective with each of the seven trustees bringing their experiences, perspectives and wisdom to the table.
As a member of the Board, I have dedicated myself to being prepared and informed for every discussion and event; thoughtful in my comments; reflective in my thoughts and actions; and respectful of others' perspectives. As a returning trustee, I will continue that work ethic.
Some of the accomplishments for the Board of Trustees for the 2017-2021 Term included:
- hiring a new Superintendent in 2018
- submitting Capital Plans to the government to enable the following schools in our division: Copperhaven School opened in 2018; Modernization of Woodhaven Middle School construction began in 2019; replacement for Stony Plain Central School construction began in 2021
- addressing the Transportation deficit so dollars were not taken from the classroom to subsidize Transportation
- hosting stakeholder events regarding Reporting and Assessment resulting in a significant revision to the K-9 Report Card
- expanding and enhancing the relationship with Alberta Teachers' Association Local; three local MLAs; Municipal partners and neighbouring schools to listen to learn, understand others' perspectives and ensure that others understand our Board's perspective
- expanding the Programs of Choice in Parkland School Division to include Nature Kindergarten (2017-2018); Parkland Student Athlete Academy (2020-2021) and the Building Futures Program in (2020-2021); Junior High Outreach (2019-2020); Virtual Learning through Connections for Learning (2019-2020); full-time French Immersion Kindergarten (2019-2020); My Path and (Y)our programs (2017-2018).
Some of the challenging decisions made by the Board of Trustees in the 2017-2021 Term included:
- the decision to close Seba Beach School at a Board Meeting on March 17, 2020. The closure reflected the reality of declining enrollment and very little projected growth.
- the decision to increase Transportation fees charged to urban and rural riders to reflect equity in fees and to begin to cover the cost of transportation in the absence of government funding. This was a necessary decision made to reduce a significant deficit.
- the decision related to the Mask Mandate Protocol in Parkland School Division schools.
These were difficult decisions, but were necessary to make. The next step following these decisions were advocacy efforts with municipalities and our government and are reflected in my future priorities' page.
Being informed, thoughtful, and reflective and demonstrating respectful attitudes, behaviours and leadership
The Board of Trustees is a collective with each of the seven trustees bringing their experiences, perspectives and wisdom to the table.
As a member of the Board, I have dedicated myself to being prepared and informed for every discussion and event; thoughtful in my comments; reflective in my thoughts and actions; and respectful of others' perspectives. As a returning trustee, I will continue that work ethic.
Some of the accomplishments for the Board of Trustees for the 2017-2021 Term included:
- hiring a new Superintendent in 2018
- submitting Capital Plans to the government to enable the following schools in our division: Copperhaven School opened in 2018; Modernization of Woodhaven Middle School construction began in 2019; replacement for Stony Plain Central School construction began in 2021
- addressing the Transportation deficit so dollars were not taken from the classroom to subsidize Transportation
- hosting stakeholder events regarding Reporting and Assessment resulting in a significant revision to the K-9 Report Card
- expanding and enhancing the relationship with Alberta Teachers' Association Local; three local MLAs; Municipal partners and neighbouring schools to listen to learn, understand others' perspectives and ensure that others understand our Board's perspective
- expanding the Programs of Choice in Parkland School Division to include Nature Kindergarten (2017-2018); Parkland Student Athlete Academy (2020-2021) and the Building Futures Program in (2020-2021); Junior High Outreach (2019-2020); Virtual Learning through Connections for Learning (2019-2020); full-time French Immersion Kindergarten (2019-2020); My Path and (Y)our programs (2017-2018).
Some of the challenging decisions made by the Board of Trustees in the 2017-2021 Term included:
- the decision to close Seba Beach School at a Board Meeting on March 17, 2020. The closure reflected the reality of declining enrollment and very little projected growth.
- the decision to increase Transportation fees charged to urban and rural riders to reflect equity in fees and to begin to cover the cost of transportation in the absence of government funding. This was a necessary decision made to reduce a significant deficit.
- the decision related to the Mask Mandate Protocol in Parkland School Division schools.
These were difficult decisions, but were necessary to make. The next step following these decisions were advocacy efforts with municipalities and our government and are reflected in my future priorities' page.