1. Please provide a short biography. Why have you chosen to run for trustee?
My name is Becky Poirier, and I have proudly called Medicine Hat home for the past 18 years. My husband and I first moved here with our oldest child, who had just started kindergarten at the time. Since then, we have been blessed with three more children, who are now in grades twelve, eight, and two.
During the years my children were young, I dedicated most of my time to being a homemaker while also working occasional part-time jobs from home. After the birth of my youngest child, I felt inspired to further my education. In 2019, I began pursuing a Social Work Diploma, which I successfully completed in 2022.
Alongside my studies, I became actively involved in volunteer work within our community. I have had the privilege of volunteering with the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter, both in their Treehouse daycare and at the SAFE summer camp. I have also supported the Santa Claus Fund and the Crescent Heights High School Theatre Program.
Following graduation, I joined Bridges Family Programs as a Family Support Worker, where I assisted families and schools in meeting the needs of children in our community. When my contract concluded, I transitioned to Autism Society Alberta, again serving as a Family Support Worker. In this role, I supported individuals and families living with disabilities, helping them access resources and navigate educational systems. I also worked directly with parents, teaching them strategies for collaborating with schools to better meet their children’s unique needs.
My decision to run for School Board Trustee comes from recognizing a gap between school administrations and parents. I want to serve as a bridge—strengthening communication and understanding between educators and families. As a parent of a child with unique needs, I understand firsthand the challenges, frustrations, and exhaustion many families experience. At the same time, I recognize the limitations schools face in addressing these needs.
With my personal experiences as a parent, my education in social work, and my professional background supporting children, families, and schools, I believe I bring a unique perspective that will benefit our education community. My goal is to advocate for families while supporting schools in creating the best possible environment for every child to succeed.
2. What are your top three priorities for your division, and how would you work to meet those needs?
My Top Priorities for SD76
Support for Students with Unique Needs Strengthen collaboration between educators, administrators, and families to ensure students with special needs receive the resources and support required for success.
Safe and Respectful Schools Work to improve and ensure consistent application of the district’s anti-bullying policy so that every student feels safe and respected.
Mental Health and Wellness Advocate for stronger mental health supports for both students and educators, recognizing that well-being is essential for learning and teaching.
To achieve these goals, I will research best practices from other school districts and collaborate with fellow trustees and district administrators to implement effective, evidence-based policies that serve our community.
3. How would you aim to attract and retain students within your division?
I believe our schools are already doing an outstanding job of attracting and inspiring students through the excellent programs they offer—such as academies, arts opportunities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. As trustee, I will champion the continued growth and advancement of these programs, ensuring students have diverse opportunities to discover their passions and talents. I am committed to working closely with teachers and administrators to support their vision and help bring new ideas to life.
