Tuesday, November 5, 2013

10 Days Is Too Much

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of returning to work as a Supply Secretary at an Edmonton Public High School.  It was so good to be back!

My role as supply was to serve the students and the Administration team in the Front Office. This is a busy High School with a phone that never stops ringing and a line up out the door for a better part of the day. (so much so that people walk on eggshells for fear of a “jinx” on the “quiet” phones when they are not ringing!)

The requests I fielded were varied in both complexity and demand:
·         A student who had a serious reaction to the sight of blood in a Macbeth video
·         Introducing a Constable to an irate parent
·         Printing replacement identification for students who have ‘lost’ their permanent    ID cards
·         Helping a student find patience to wait for an Administrator

Over the course of this phenomenal day, I had a bit of a light-bulb moment that I am compelled to share: SERVICE!  I realized that public education is about customer service to a very large degree. Everyone in the building has a role to perform and that every role is in ultimate service to society’s most precious customer: our students.  No one in that building is paid nearly enough to compensate for what issues must be addressed!  So, for me, with the students as a central focus, we become like the “back-of-house” associates in the hotel industry.  It is the students who are in the forefront, and everyone is focused on them, even if their role is indirect (like custodial or supply staff).  

Perhaps where we go wrong is when Public Education teams lose their line of sight to the customer and what they expect and deserve.

I was recently advised on what I thought was a relatively simple question about alternative programming availability.  I was told that it would take 5-10 business days to answer.  I was stunned!  Even after all of my work leading up to the trustee elections, I had no idea that this was the turn-around time on something as integral to the well-being of a student as a simple question about programming availability!  I think that we may have completely lost sight of the customer – the student; when it takes that kind of time frame to answer a question.

Good service has expectations associated with it. I expect that I am part of the solution.  That with my voice, I can inform you, and you can inform others about the ways in which education is failing our students.  I think it is reasonable to expect simple information to be delivered efficiently.  I expect students to be the central focus of public education, and tax-payer dollars. 

I also think it is reasonable to expect that with my voice, I can inform you, and you can inform others the ways in which education is exceeding expectations.  I expect that tomorrow I will say thank you to the teacher, custodian, volunteer, or peer who goes above and beyond the call of duty in service to education and students they serve.

Transparent communication and gratitude are what I expect, and I hope you expect that too.

Tomorrow I will serve  students I may never meet.  And I will not be alone in that service.  There are countless people working countless hours, who deserve recognition they neither seek nor will receive.  But perhaps, with my voice, and the network of all of your voices, we can begin to shine the light upon those who offer service that exceeds expectations.  I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to be able to use my voice, even if it is not quite in the way I had anticipated, with such conviction.  And tomorrow, I will type.  I will format, and I will save changes made to documents that I trust will serve those students, their families, and their teachers well.  Like so many people do their whole careers, I will focus on great customer service and go home satisfied in knowing that I was part of that service team---even on supply.


So for those who choose to serve the students in Edmonton Public on a day-in, day-out basis – you matter. The work you do matters. The end result matters – in a big way. Serve from your heart and keep your eye on the end result. Very little matters more. 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Gratitude

As my campaign draws to a close, and election day draws near, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people whom I have met in the past few weeks.  There are hundreds of you who have inspired me with your willingness to talk about education---even when I have knocked on your door and interrupted your day.  To you, engaged citizens of Edmonton, I say thank you!  

Thank you to the communities who have invited me to participate in their events, and allowed me support their efforts with service.  I have loved every moment cooking hot dogs, selling wares, cleaning kitchens, raking leaves, picking up garbage and building playgrounds.  It has truly been an honour. Thank you for sharing with me what matters to you, and to the future you want to create for our children.  I have been heartened more than you know by your willingness to engage in this process of elected school board trustees, and I thank you!  

Thank you to my friends and neighbours who gave hours of their time waving at you as you drove past an intersection, put up my signs, and helped me communicate with individuals about education and its future in Edmonton Public.  Most of all, I would like to thank my family (by blood and by choice) who has supported my candidacy wholeheartedly.  

I am truly grateful.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Bullying

I have been asked to respond to questions about faith-based public schools.  I must confess that these questions have given me some serious pause, not for what they ask, but for what they imply.  So I’ll take this opportunity to be clear.   I am absolutely supportive of diversity:  in the ways in which we teach our students, in the ways in which people express themselves, and in the ways in which people live out their faith and beliefs.  I think that faith-based schools are a fantastic alternative for families who seek to provide a deep religious education of their children as part of their everyday learning environment.  I am absolutely opposed to bullying.  Period.  I think what has made me uncomfortable is that these questions I have been asked have implied that if I am opposed to bullying I am threatening someone’s faith.  Is bullying allowed in anyone’s faith?  Maybe someone out there can enlighten me on a religion that tolerates violence and harassment of children in any school, much less in a school funded by your tax dollars. 


The Edmonton Public School Board has been very clear in its policies in the past, that there is no reason for violence or threats of violence to be anyone’s experience in our schools, FOR ANY REASON, and I wholeheartedly agree.  If this offends you, I can’t comprehend why.  If this seems to indicate that I lack tolerance for your faith, I can’t comprehend why.  A friend of mine reminds me that as a society, Canadians have been clear that we will ameliorate discrimination and oppression with clarity.  The EPSB policy does that for students who are or have been systemically bullied, and I fully support their courage and foresight. 

Size Matters!

This week I had the opportunity to clarify and articulate my position about overcrowding in classrooms.  While there is definitely consideration that numbers are relative to the needs inherent in each child, it is important that we understand that there ARE indeed standards for class size that we simply need to uphold.  According to the Alberta Commission on Learning maximum size for a classroom of children in Kindergarten or Division One (Grades 1-3) is 17 students.  

Based on the 2012/2013 statistics shared by the Alberta Teachers Association it is clear that we are far exceeding that maximum.  This is, in my opinion, chaos management not education.  When a classroom of young children is too large, then we risk allowing children to “fall through the cracks”:  as long as they behave compliantly, we will not challenge them to meet their own potential for excellence.  This is a serious issue that I expect your Public Board to address.


I also expect you to be part of the solution!  In the coming weeks and months you will need to help me remind our provincial elected officials that education is a priority for Albertans, and Edmontonians are prepared to lead the way in that reminder.  I will need your help in shifting our assessment of a successful funding model away from a model that is dependent upon large class sizes, especially for our youngest students.  


Friday, October 18, 2013

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Kind Endorsement

I am blessed to have people I admire and trust in my corner in the pursuit of the Ward C Edmonton Public School Board Trustee role. 

"Susan understands what it takes for public schools to thrive. She will strive to create the necessary conditions - both in Ward C and throughout the Edmonton Public School District - for teaching and learning to be the very best it can be!"

Lynn Odynski [former trustee Ward C]

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Forum Follow Up

On October 3 I had the privilege of speaking with the public at a forum organized by Laurier Heights Parent Advisory Council (and they did a phenomenal job at it, by the way).  It was an evening rich in questions and diversity, with great opportunity to engage you, the voters, in what matters to you as you choose your next school trustee.  You are my hiring committee and I appreciated the interview!

I was able to articulate three key factors that will influence my leadership should I be elected to this position:

1. I will follow in the footsteps of good work
2. I will follow with a critical eye toward what we can do better
3. I will expect you, the voters/parents/grandparents/community members to engage in the process of advocacy for our children.

I will follow in the footsteps of good work

Predecessors of this position, Christopher Spencer and Sue Huff, have worked tirelessly to ensure a new era of communication and collaboration with government.  I commented at the forum my disagreement with a statement that advocacy to-date has been “all asks” relative to the School Closure Moratorium Committee.  I think the previous board has done amazingly well to establish a relationship with the government of Alberta that is reciprocal, and with the best interests of students at its heart. While this relationship is never easy, I do think that the board has forged ground that will allow the new trustees to effect change to the betterment of our students, teachers, and classrooms within Edmonton Public Schools. 

More importantly though, issues of inclusion were discussed at length at this forum, and I’m so grateful that they were!  I was able to articulate my firm belief that if there is a policy as sound and effective as the no-bullying policy, and its extention to the LGBTQ students in our schools specifically, then that is simply a policy that must be implemented.  PERIOD.  I am grateful for the opportunity to formally (and informally in conversations afterward) to articulate my deep conviction to this awesome policy. 

I will follow with a critical eye toward what we can do better

The forum audience raised questions about school closures:  a matter near and dear to my heart.  I participated in the Sector Review Process, so I know how debilitating and disheartening process can be in relation to school closures.  I know from conversations with other parents in that time in my role as chairperson of a school council that we can do better!  There were suggestions in that process that emerged from parents as alternatives to school closures that I don’t think that the board has investigated, or at least not fully investigated.  I also think that now is the time to be fully open as a board to all aspects in our budget:  the money that we have available to us must match what the board has skillfully named as priorities for our district.  In my experience as an entrepreneur and as a former Corporate Director of a multi-decision unit company I have deep concerns over the anticipated spike in absenteeism and the costs (human and financial) associated with that.  Additionally, there are budget items that, despite hours of inquiry as a private citizen, are still unclear to me.  There are clearly many avenues of conversation about cost-saving and cost-sharing that simply must be explored. 

Communication with the public and policy implementation are two additional ways that the board can work better.  While communication with government has deepened, I’m certain that we can do better at communicating with the public.  In terms of policy implementation, I was present at the board meeting when a former Physics teacher from Ross Sheppard spoke about the lack of implementation of the boards policy on Student Assessment, Achievement and Growth  which allows teachers to issue zeroes.  Why is that?  Why are board policies not being followed?  This is the critical eye that I bring to the board as a parent and as a citizen now, and expect the trustee to bring as well. 

I will expect you, the voters/parents/grandparents/community members to engage in the process of advocacy for our children.

It won’t work without you, though!  I have been part of a small group of concerned parents and active citizens who have asked questions of our elected officials.  This has been hard work, but it is also PIVOTAL to the success of democracy.   I KNOW that your voice, your opinion, your input has power.  I know this because a small group of communicative and vocal parents helped strengthen the motion for changes to our utilization measure to incorporate child wraparound services as utilized space.

I am so grateful that I was able to articulate to the forum audience that I expect them (and you!) to be engaged in the process.  Ask me questions!  Talk to me about how policies are, or are not, being lived out in your schools.  Attend meetings in person or online, be on Alberta Education conference calls, talk to your school councils and community league boards, talk with your MLA, support initiatives for a super-board collaboration between schools, or any other way to make your voice heard.  For I deeply value the power of grassroots communities voicing their vision, their hopes, their concerns, and their wisdom.


It was such a rich evening!  I can’t wait to meet more of you at the North Glenora Community League on October 16 from 7-9 PM.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Online Silent Auction - Part 2

I am so grateful to have encouraging people supporting me. Thank you for these generous donations to make part 2 of our Online Silent Auction come to life.

Enjoy the bidding - it is all for a good cause.

http://www.32auctions.com/kett4wardc2

Thursday, September 26, 2013

New Endorsement

I am humbled and grateful to post the most recent endorsement I received which is from Christopher Spencer, our current Ward C Trustee. He has been extremely patient having me as a parent in his Ward for the last 3-year term! I intend on building upon the legacy of integrity, authenticity, and leadership that he has begun.

"During my time on the school board, no parent in west-central Edmonton has been more involved in matters of education policy than Susan Ketteringham. She is smart, kind, enthusiastic and moderate – someone who considers an issue on its own merits, with an open mind, eager to do what’s best for children, families and the community. On Oct. 21st, Susan will have my vote."

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Who Am I?

I am so blessed that as I venture from door-to-door (and my name is beginning to be associated with Ward C) that residents and families and community members are approaching me. I have this awesome visual in my mind of this phenomenal network I am creating so that come October 22nd, 2013 we can begin the work in earnest.

I did not fully appreciate how many people, and organizations, and groups would want to have my thoughts and perspectives on issues relating to education. It seems like there is always a survey waiting to be completed and I quite enjoy the process of articulating my thoughts "out loud" with careful consideration. My style will always be better suited to face-to-face conversations and taking the time to contemplate, and understand, and digest where Ward C residents are coming from is such worthwhile time.

Today two things happened almost simultaneously - receiving an email from an engaged Ward C voter and submitting my profile for the www.vote4kids.ca website. I decided to share my answers for the profile questions here on my blog in advance of them being posted on the ATA website. I do this because I want people to knowingly vote for me - make the choice based on a clear understanding of who I am, and what I stand for. That clarity is going to serve all of us for my four year term as Ward C Trustee. Thank you to the ATA for creating a distributing this survey!







Sunday, September 1, 2013

Awesome Initiative

My phenomenal group of supporters came up with a fantastic idea to generate some revenue for my Campaign for Ward C Trustee - an Online Silent Auction. People are able to view and bid at their convenience and like the "7 Habits" my youngest in learning in Elementary School - it is a real 'win-win'. It allows me to reach more voters with my message and continue to have the extraordinary door-to-door conversations about public education in Edmonton. It also affords people the opportunity to bid on items and experiences they would find value in.

Of course there is also a 'donate' button in case anyone wants to contribute financially without participating in the online bidding.

I hope you enjoy the items posted so far, and we will be sure to communicate when new items are identified.

I encourage you to share the link so that everyone in your 'world' can enjoy!

Here is the link: http://www.32auctions.com/kett4wardc

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Global TV Interview

For those of you who may have missed it, I was on Global TV Evening news last week being interviewed about my candidacy for Ward C Trustee. http://globalnews.ca/news/781179/municipal-election-candidates-hit-the-books-before-hitting-the-campaign-trail/


New Endorsements

It is an awesome, and humbling feeling when people express their excitement at my candidacy as the next Ward C Trustee.Thank you for the continued support!

From Joyce Sneddon – Teacher, Edmonton Public School Board
Susan Ketteringham is an amazing, strong leader who has the ability to bring her voice forward to create positive change for all stake holders. Having had the honour of watching her first hand in action working on the parent council at an Edmonton Public School, it was very apparent that Susan Ketteringham was a person who held education at the forefront and only wanted what was best for all students. Susan demonstrated that she is the type of leader who will work diligently for all stake holders and will always put students’ needs first and foremost. This is the exact type of leader Edmonton Public needs, a leader to instill change for the betterment of all stake holders.

From E. Joy Muller, Ph.D. – Yellowhead Youth Centre

I believe Susan will be a tremendous advocate for children and youth in the Public School Board. She has a demonstrated ability to challenge the status quo to achieve what she believes is right. She is ‘can do’ personified and insightful and experienced into the mechanics of business planning that looks toward the future. Her intimate experience as an Edmonton Public parent, Support Staff member, and Volunteer equip her with a solid baseline understanding of how the ‘system’ works. Her significant experience in the business world has equipped her to do ‘more with less’ and given her the mindset of always thinking ‘outside the box’; those character traits will serve the Ward C community very well in the coming four years.

Monday, August 5, 2013

New School Year Set Up

It seems quite foreign to me that I will not be involved this year in getting the School Council and Fundraising Society at my son’s elementary school set up. This is because for the first time since he started school I will not assume a formal role with either group as I intend on having the role of Ward C EPSB Trustee.

I have a great deal of admiration for the parents and community members who step forward to contribute positively to the education experience of students in the public system. Quite frankly, I had very little understanding of how many hours are selflessly dedicated by volunteers whether it is reading with children, working in the supply room, engaging with student field trips or assisting teaching staff and administration in general.

In addition to monthly meeting preparation and execution, high performing School Council and Fundraising Society teams across the system will spend the month of September …

  • setting up teacher work request systems
  • exploring and implementing fund-raising strategies
  • creating 'Consent to Contact' distribution lists
  • engaging on social media streams 
  • recruiting new membership
  • organizing Casino’s
  • establishing reading schedules with students
  • arranging Annual General Meetings
  • setting up a hot lunch program
  • establishing Kid’s Pantry’s and;
  • generally engaging and communicating with the larger parent group


And then October comes!

They may also be advocating for larger scale initiatives and programs for their school; including driving enrolment, by-law updates and governance, results review and viable space utilization amongst other priorities. This is in addition to managing their already busy, full lives.

I encourage you to get engaged in even the smallest way; regardless of whether you have children attending Edmonton Public, or not. Last year one parent group I know of began utilizing the previously untapped resource of retired neighbours with great success. I guarantee that watching a grand-parent engage with students on a one-to-one basis will be the ultimate ‘win-win’.

I know some remarkable parent groups in Ward C and would love the opportunity to advocate for you as accurately as possible after the election on October 21st. Reach out today at ketteringham@shaw.ca or via cell at 587 988 5310 and share your concerns, hopes and dreams for the future of public education in Edmonton.




Friday, July 26, 2013

Endorsements

I continue to be humbled by the encouragement I receive from people within Ward C about my candidacy for Trustee. I felt compelled to share some of them!

From Barb Nason – EPSB Parent

Whether Susan is in her role as Parent Council Chair, School Board Employee, community member or a parent her calm professional demeanour and positive attitude contribute to her ability to be a leader and a role model.  She has dedicated many years to bringing people together and getting them to engage in dialogue and action to provide students of Edmonton Public Schools with a meaningful educational experience.

From Lisa Blue – Human Resource Development, Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association


Susan has been a long time friend and colleague of mine who I believe will bring a sensitive, articulate, and intelligent voice to our city. She is willing to be a prominent voice in our community affairs and I believe she has the strength to stand up to the special interests within our diverse district and she also understands the challenges and has the experience and skill to make positive changes.  

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Inspiration

This past weekend I had the opportunity to sit amongst other Trustee Candidates (public and separate) having meaningful conversations about education. ARTES, the Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools, generously arranges and hosts these meetings and often arranges guest speakers to add value to the content and quality of the meetings.

Our guest speaker was none other than Sue Huff, the Ward C EPSB Trustee from 2007 – 2010. Sue came to us with her thoughts outlined and with the intention of having a conversation about the role of Trustee. Her delineation was thought provoking, stimulating and illuminating for me in my pursuit of this role and is impacting my thinking this week as I further consider my ‘Why?’.

One topic that rose to the surfaced was in regards to the corporate culture, if you will,  of Edmonton Public and the need to explore the heart of the matter,  the ‘way of being’ that is lived currently. I realized that my experience in leadership will be crucial as we explore ways to uncover the heart of the matter for the 8 000 people who work for the district.


Sue shared an awesome acronym (CHEAP BFNV) that I am compelled to share since it specifically identified the requirements we should have as leaders as we help an organization grow, evolve, and become the best it can be. Like many large organizations the culture can be defined and modeled by senior leaders but only becomes a real culture when it is lived and breathed by the people within in.

I am excited about positively impacting the EPSB culture.




Thursday, July 18, 2013

A Village

It Takes A Village – To Elect Susan Ketteringham

I have decided to ‘Run for Trustee of Ward C’ and I am so much looking forward to the journey and process. I absolutely know that I will positively deliver while in the role and at this stage I am equally as enthusiastic about the “running” component and all that it entails.

In recent months I have had the pleasure of connecting with many of you within the community broaching the topic of education and the trustee role in general.  Amidst those discussions a great number have asked “how can I contribute?” and “how can I support you?”  Contributions and support can be made in a variety of ways and all will be embraced and are appreciated.

I have provided some suggestions below to assist those of you who wish to show support and please feel free to add to the toolkit should you have additional ideas or suggestions!


1. Vote on October 21st, 2013. Even if you can’t (or won’t J) vote for me, please exercise your right (and responsibility) as a citizen and vote.

2. I use twitter (@sketteri), facebook, and LinkedIn. Connect with me there and share the fact that I am embarking on this mission on behalf of the students in public school in Edmonton. Every 'like', 'share', 'RT' will help.

3. Read my blog, post comments, and share it with the people in your network. (kett4wardc.blogspot.ca)

4. Do you live in Ward C? If you do, will you offer to take a lawn sign in September?  Do you know someone who lives in Ward C? Ask them to take a lawn sign! Email me the details at ketteringham@shaw.ca

5. Do you have words of encouragement for me in pursuing the role of Ward C Trustee? Post them and give me permission to share them in other electronic or printed methods.

6. I spend a lot of time walking and talking. Do you want to join me in talking to our Ward C neighbours? I guarantee laughs and some fabulous conversations.

7. Do you like to walk and think? Let me give you some postcards to deliver to our Ward C neighbours so they can begin to know who I am. There are a *lot* of awesome people to meet on the way.

8. Do you like to drive? Let me give you some signs to deliver to different Ward C addresses here in Edmonton for the citizens who want to support my candidacy.

9. Do you feel time-starved yet still want to contribute? I would be grateful for any monetary donations. You are able to donate using the “donate” button on the bottom of my blog. If you want to e-transfer money my email address is ketteringham@shaw.ca, or you can mail it the old-fashioned way to 12208 – 140th Street T5L 2C7. I promise you that I will spend every penny wisely.

10. Are you part of a parent or community group that is interested in sharing their thoughts and perspectives on public education? I would love an introduction.


It takes a village to raise a child, it will require the same village to see me in the Ward C Trustee seat. I am open to any suggestions you have to help make K-E-T-T-E-R-I-N-G-H-A-M a household name. 

Friday, July 5, 2013

Learning Curve

I expected that becoming the next Ward C Candidate for Edmonton Public would have a learning curve; perhaps I would even venture to say that I *hoped* it would. What I was not prepared for was being asked this specific question:

“So, Mrs. Ketteringham, what party are you affiliated with?”

My fleeting initial thoughts were of the Soccer Fundraising Party (click here if you want to donate) we are hosting at my house this weekend. Rapidly it was replaced with a fundraising event (click here if you want to donate) my son and two of his Grade 3 friends are attending Saturday night. Then I thought perhaps the reference was about my son’s upcoming 9th birthday party. Then, just as quickly, it dawned on me that it was about a political party.

Really?

I realize now that I have always voted for the person, who they are and what kind of leader they will make.  I vote for the person who will communicate openly and advocate with integrity, even if we won’t always agree.  For me, it’s about finding a candidate who will work to resolve problems, not just tow the party line.   

Let me be clear: I am running for trustee to represent a community of people vested in the children of their community.  I am pursing a role with Edmonton Public School Board Ward C to be a leader who seeks solutions, and works in whatever way necessary to reach the best possible outcome with effectiveness and efficiency.  I am not representing any one party.  Aligning oneself with one party for all time makes little sense to me, especially when our children are involved.  There are many ways to approach a problem, and many perspectives, in my opinion, generate a better outcome.  I wouldn’t want to support a leader who only had one worldview, and I would hope that no one party would find my leadership worth supporting:  I intend to be the leader who seeks resolutions that transcend party lines.  Only a person can serve another.  Person to person, I intend to represent, and advocate, to hear, learn, and teach.

Perhaps the premise of a ‘party’ assures people of common values, priorities, and principles. I challenge you to get to know those very things about the person you intend on voting for. I know I always do.

Perhaps the question seeks to know me better, what kind of person I will be when difficult decisions need to be made, or priorities need to be set.  Perhaps concerns of party lines are a way for you to begin to trust me more, especially with your precious children.  To those questions, I can respond that I am a person who will work with other people until the wee hours of the night if necessary to find the best possible solution for our children, and their education.  Then the decisions that I participate in, I will take responsibility for:  making all efforts I can to see the thoughts come into action, and be in conversation with people who disagree. My husband and I teach our son to take responsibility for his decisions, so what kind of a person would I be if I didn’t model that myself?  To me, this style of leadership isn’t reflective of a party, it’s reflective of a person


So, if there is any one party that stands out in your mind that reflects my expectations of leaders, let me know!  I suspect, though, that what you are seeking is reassurance about who I am and how I will respond to situations none of us can foresee.  To that, I say, let’s get to know each other.  

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Why Trusteeship? What Are You Aiming For?

I am intent on becoming the next Ward C Trustee for the Edmonton Public School Board. This role, in this Ward and all it entails, is my aim and is my purpose.

It is hard to describe how remarkable it feels to be able to articulate that particular sentence, out loud, in public. It comes from a great deal of soul-searching, list-making and more conversations with parents, teachers, administrators, business leaders and community members than I care to, or am even able to, remember.

I am intent because I believe in living my life on purpose. I know who I am, and what I have to offer.   I look forward to listening---really LISTENING--- to the people who are as passionate about public education as I am.  Practical, real-world experience driven by intention and purpose – that is what I hear parents and community members yearning for; I aim to give it to them.  I am intent upon action.  I aim to act upon what I hear, with integrity and purpose.  I hope you do too:  October 21st is rapidly approaching and I hope you vote with purpose.

I chose Trusteeship because the role deserves the best possible candidates to manage, lead, govern and inspire.

I chose Trusteeship because I am passionate about public education. The outcomes are important to me as a parent with a student in a public school in Ward C. Perhaps more importantly I am passionate about the role of TRUST from people like you.  The role deserves the best possible candidates to manage, lead, govern and inspire because from this role leadership is given to a vital process that develops our greatest asset:  our children.  I have heard from various people and groups that they want a process that delivers and executes the outcomes that they expect. Like open schools in mature neighbourhoods and communities, intelligent infrastructure planning, sustainable income and expense streams, and responsive representation – that is what I hear parents and community members yearning for; I aim to give it to them.

I chose trusteeship because I am capable of serving the public interest. The opportunity to be an advocate for the students, and their families, the service providers that support them and their communities at large is an exciting one for me. I am an outspoken advocate.  I ask the hard questions, and work to be part of the solution to them.  I also believe in relationships, and that there is no way to be a trustee without honouring the people for whom you serve.

Honour begins with clarity of purpose within one’s self.  To that end, I recently created a training session for a group of leaders.  In the pre-formative interview process with those leaders they were asked to define their philosophy of life in a short statement called a ‘Bumper Sticker’ philosophy. My Bumper Sticker reads ‘You get what you expect, and accept’.


I expect insight and input from people like you.  I expect to listen and act upon what I hear.  I expect to advocate, tirelessly at times, for the interests of our children, and the education system in which they learn.  I accept the clarity I receive from the people in Ward C: what you are prepared to accept as well as what you are not.  I look forward to a rich term as trustee, honouring your hopes, dreams and expectations of public education in Edmonton.