Deborah Forbes hopes to continue her work as a trustee with Medicine Hat Public School Division. - SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Deborah Forbes is hoping to be re-elected to the Medicine Hat Public School Division’s Board of Trustees this October.
Forbes is committed to public education and inclusivity.
“(A public school is) a place for everyone to learn, to grow, to make a better world,” she told the News.
Forbes, who has a Master’s of Education, is an instructor of art, education and early childhood at Medicine Hat College. She is currently the executive director at Lifelong Education and Resource Network Medicine Hat, a family literacy group. She is actively involved in the community and volunteers for several organizations in the city.
An acclaimed artist and writer, Forbes is also a mother and grandmother. One of her grandchildren resides with her.
“He teaches us about school every day,” she laughs.
Forbes believes that her proximity to students and educators will allow her to stay informed about the issues that matter.
“I will keep abreast of K-12 education, not just in our town, but in the province, in Canada and around the world” she said. “What I have learned over the years is that the issues change. As a result, as a trustee, you must be a quick and accurate study of the issues.”
If elected, Forbes’ first order of business would be to spend time with each trustee and learn about their values.
“I will listen to many points of view, do my best to understand, and work toward consensus… so, we can begin to work cooperatively with each other for the good of all our students, staff and families.”
Forbes vows to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
“I celebrate diversity,” she said.
She highlights that every individual learns in their own unique way, but invites all people to learn together.
