1. Please provide a short biography. Why have you chosen to run for trustee?
I believe in Catholic Education, I have spent 35 years of my life working for Medicine Hat Catholic. I have had the privilege of teaching in the Medicine Hat Catholic System. I was the principal of St. Francis Xavier School, Mother Teresa School, St. Patrick’s School, and St. Mary’s School. Finally, I worked as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools. I know the Medicine Hat Catholic System, I know the people who work in the system. I have worked with many parents and students throughout my career. I believe Catholic education makes a difference in young people’s lives.
My wife Denise and I sent our 2 children through the Catholic System. Both our children graduated from Monsignor McCoy High School. Both have used the education they received as a springboard for successful careers. I believe a Catholic education sets students up for success, spiritually, academically, and socially.
2. What are your top three priorities for your division, and how would you work to meet those needs?
My first priority as a Catholic trustee is to ensure the continuation of Catholic Education in Alberta. With all the pressures students face in today’s society, it is extremely important they receive spiritual guidance. Learning from Jesus Christ, the ultimate teacher, will guide them to be empathetic, kind, spirit filled members of our community.
Secondly, I would work to ensure that students attending Medicine Hat Catholic succeed academically. We need to ensure all our students graduate from High School. Without a high school education, students will struggle to be successful in our society. It is important that our education system push students to achieve the highest levels possible coming out of high school. To get into universities and tech schools, students have to compete with other students from all over the world. The advantage of a high level academic education will prepare our students in whatever they choose as a career.
Our world is changing, students need to be able to adapt to these changes. As a Catholic trustee, my third priority would be to ensure that students have access to cutting edge technology such as Artificial Intelligence. Medicine Hat Catholic must prepare students to work with, and adapt to, new advancements in our changing world.
3. How would you aim to attract and retain students within your division?
Medicine Hat Catholic is a growing school district. We have attracted students by ensuring they are surrounded by teachers who care for them and are invested in their future. We offer unique programs that challenge students. We deliver a faith based education that prepares students for their future. Our new school, Holy Trinity Academy, will be a pillar of Catholic Education. The new school represents an opportunity to allow Medicine Hat Catholic to be innovative, to take Catholic education to a new level in Medicine Hat.
