Public – Beach, Danielle

By James Tubb on October 1, 2025.

1. Please provide a short biography. Why have you chosen to run for trustee?

My name is Danielle Beach. I am very proud to be both born and raised in Medicine Hat, where both my children and I attended public school. For nearly four decades, I have served as an educator with the Medicine Hat Public School District, teaching from grades Kindergarten to Grade 12, with most of my time spent in the primary grades. This experience has given me current/firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that our teachers and students are facing… right now!!

Throughout my career, I have always placed students first—meeting their needs at every level, working closely with parents, and collaborating with teachers and school leaders to create programs that help every child succeed. I deeply understand the environments in which our children learn, the pressures our teachers face, and the concerns parents carry as they strive to support their children’s education.

2. What are your top three priorities for your division, and how would you work to meet those needs?

1. Safe and Supportive Classrooms

I believe every student and teacher deserves to learn and work in an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive. I will work to strengthen school cultures where students feel a true sense of belonging and teachers are equipped to do their best work. Listening to individual school administrators, teachers, parents and students is key. This is not a “paint by the same brush” approach. The specific environment of each school, classroom and student needs have to be assessed individually.

2. Smaller Class Sizes and Proper Supports

To meet the diverse needs of today’s classrooms, we must reduce class sizes and ensure proper supports are in place. This includes access to educational assistants, specialists, and resources that allow teachers to give students the attention they deserve. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to personalize instruction and meet students at their individual learning levels. Large classes can make it harder to recognize student needs, which affects their well-being, and contributes to teacher burnout—one of the main reasons educators are leaving the profession in record numbers. Again, as mentioned above… an individual approach is imperative!

3. Strong Advocacy for Funding

To achieve these goals, we must continue to advocate for fair and sustainable funding for our schools. I will work with fellow trustees, school leaders, and the community to ensure our division has the resources needed to provide high-quality education for all students.

3. How would you aim to attract and retain students within your division?

High-Quality Learning Opportunities

• Expand access to programs of choice (STEM, fine arts, sports academies, French Immersion, trades/CTF, land-based learning).
• Ensure strong literacy and numeracy foundations, especially in early grades.

Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming Schools

• Foster schools where every child feels they belong,regardless of background, ability, or identity.
• Support staff in building strong school cultures that value respect and diversity.

Innovative Programs that Reflect Community Needs

• Partner with local businesses, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations to create unique opportunities for students (career exploration, mentorship, land-based education).
• Highlight the programs that make your division unique compared to others.

Strong Supports for Students & Families

• Ensure timely access to mental health supports, learning supports, and individualized programming.
• Communicate clearly with parents and invite them as partners in education.

Retention through Engagement

• Celebrate student achievement and showcase it publicly.
• Create opportunities for student voice and leadership so they feel invested in their schools.

Marketing and Outreach

• Improve communication of what the division offers (social media, community events, open houses).
• Build pride in the division by telling success stories of students, teachers, and alumni. I truly believe students and families are attracted to schools where they feel welcome, supported, and inspired. To retain students in our division, we need to continue to offer strong literacy and numeracy foundations, provide innovative program choices that reflect our community’s needs, and ensure every child feels a true sense of belonging. By strengthening supports for students and families, celebrating our successes, and building strong partnerships in our amazing community, we can create schools that students want to attend and families are proud to be part of.Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and share a glimpse of my passion for education, as well as my deep commitment to the students and families of our community.

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