1. Please provide a short biography. Why have you chosen to run for trustee?
I spent grades 1-12 as a Medicine Catholic student. After graduating from the University of Calgary, I taught junior high and senior high social studies for 34 years. To say that I enjoyed my experiences as a student and teacher is in understatement.
During my career, I served 10+ years as President of Medicine Hat Catholic Teachers Local No. 39. I also served as a member of the Economic Policy Committee negotiating contracts. During my tenure as President I gained experience dealing with the government having had face to face discussions with 3 Government of Alberta ministers on multiple occasions (Jim Horsman, David King, Rob Renner). I coached 40+ teams in the school and community including the first Junior High football team in Medicine Hat, both boys and girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, track and field, and Little League baseball.
2. What are your top three priorities for your division, and how would you work to meet those needs?
I am running for trustee because I am deeply concerned over the Government of Alberta’s lack of adequate funding for education. My primary goal is to work with other school boards to lobby the government for funding that meets the needs of all school divisions. Second, I would seek to develop and encourage innovative programs such as Monsignor McCoy’s First Responder Academy by consulting with teachers and parents. Last but not least, I would work towards teachers finding additional ways of incorporating the teachings of the Catholic Church in their daily classroom routines through professional development and by soliciting feedback from teachers and parents.
3. How would you aim to attract and retain students within your division?
I believe that we can attract and retain students by continuing to publicize the athletic achievements and school events of our students on social media. Furthermore, I would solicit and publicize testimonials of former students who believe their Catholic education was an important part of their lives.
