Why Support Me

Why experience matters, now more than ever.

It’s no secret that Alberta’s Education system is rather upside down these days. Between the labor unrest, the new curriculum, new rules for opting in, changes to the funding formula, library mandates, and gender in sports, much is on the table and at stake as educational leaders navigate these challenges.

Working in this role since 2013 had provided me with the experience necessary to effectively represent our communities.

Training

I have training in; Roberts Rules of Order, Policy Development, Media Relations, Budget Development, Public Engagement, Legislation, Resolution Statement Development, School Council Operations, Indigenous Teachings, and Effective Advocacy and much more.

Connections

Between my roles as Trustee, Board Chair, and Vice President of the Public-School Boards’ Association, I have received extensive professional development, and have developed many relationships with leaders who are influential in the world of education and can help with my advocacy efforts.

Teachers’ Strike

After the teacher’s strike ends, there will still be a local bargaining process to deal with local issues. Bargaining is a complicated matter, which requires experience and insight into the process, rules, existing contracts, and potential repercussions involved. During the last round of bargaining, under my leadership, our Board was among the first in the province to settle. Experience is crucial when it comes to labor negotiations.

Rural Sustainability

I have a great deal of insight and knowledge into the problems facing rural education and how declining population in rural areas is impacting our enrolment. I have met with MLAs and Municipal leaders to discuss rural sustainability and innovative ideas to keep our communities alive and vibrant.

Why Vote for School Board Trustee if you don’t have kids in school?

Accomplishments

• Red Deer College – Special Recognition for outstanding Academic Achievement.
• Public School Boards’ Association Trustee Learning Modules Certificate
• Indigenous Canada (U of A) – Certificate
• Extensive professional development through the Alberta School Boards’ Association, Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta, Alberta School Councils’ Association, College of Alberta School Superintendents, Alberta Rural Education Caucus, Ever Active Schools, Canadian School Boards’ Association, and Alberta Educational Law sessions.
• Member of panel which presented at the Canadian School Boards’ Association in 2023.

Current Elected Positions

• Chair – Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools
• Trustee Ward 4, WRPS
• Vice President, Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta
• Vice President, Labrador Retriever Club of Alberta

Elected Positions I have held over the years

• Secretary, Buck Lake – Alder Flats Kindergarten
• President, Buck Lake Alder-Flats Kindergarten
• Secretary, Buck Lake Ag Society
• Secretary, Labrador Retriever Club of Canada
• Chair Person, Labrador Retriever Club of Alberta

Community

Volunteer Work

• I grew up in the community, volunteering alongside my parents. We put in ice and maintained the outdoor skating rink; helped flood curling ice, cater meals for events, sell raffle tickets, and clean the hall. We helped in the kitchen for bonspiels, and later took on organizing community events such as ball tournaments, bonspiels, dances, and dinners.
• I volunteered as a 4H Leader and have presented public speaking workshops for clubs in our area. I often judge public speaking events, as well as achievement days for 4H clubs throughout central Alberta.

About Me

I was born and raised in the Buck Lake area, where I live with my husband Melvin.

Most of my adult life has been spent immersed in the world of education, where I have worn many hats, from part time custodian to working in the office as an Administrative Assistant and Library Clerk, to the classroom as an Educational Assistant. I completed the Educational Assistant Diploma course through Red Deer College, and graduated with honors in 2007.