Letter: School board has and will continue to work toward transparency; public participation always welcome

By Letter to the Editor on October 7, 2025.

(In response to Michael Seitz, Oct.1, Medicine Hat News, Letter to the Editor)

Dear editor,

I am writing in response to recent accusations regarding the transparency and practices of our Board. It is important to address these directly, as accountability and open communication are values that guide our work.

This Board has made significant progress toward greater transparency in recent years. We have deliberately moved many items from private to regular board meetings, ensuring that as much of our work as possible is discussed in the public forum.

When matters are addressed in private, it is because they involve personnel or sensitive issues that are not appropriate for public disclosure – matters of privacy and legal obligation, not secrecy.

Our meetings are open to the public, yet attendance has historically been very limited. Attending a single meeting over several years does not provide the full context of the work being done, nor does it reflect the thoughtful and consistent decision-making that takes place at the Board table.

To truly understand the depth of discussion and transparency we practice, regular engagement is important. We remain committed to ensuring the community has access to the decisions that affect our schools and students.

Transparency, integrity and accountability continue to be at the centre of our role as trustees, and we will not waiver from that responsibility.

I warmly encourage you – and any interested community members – to attend our upcoming board meetings.

Your presence and participation are always welcome, and we value the opportunity to engage directly with those we serve.

Catherine Wilson

Board Chair

Medicine Hat Public School Division

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