I’ve been part of Red Deer Public Schools since 2008, raising two kids who have had amazing moments and a few “teenager moments” along the way. I’ve served on school councils, represented parents across Alberta with the Alberta School Councils’ Association, and spent hours helping out in classrooms, on field trips, and at school events. These years have given me a real understanding of how our sch
ools work; the good, the challenging, and the in-between. My perspective comes from years of showing up, listening, and working alongside students, families, and the staff who support them. I feel, the best schools are built on strong relationships between families and schools, teachers and parents, and students and their community. When those connections are solid, kids do better. When they break down, it’s often because parents and teachers are coming at a problem from different angles. Building trust takes open conversations, respect, and a shared goal of helping every student succeed. School councils, good communication, and genuine teamwork aren’t extras—they’re essential. I want to help make sure every student feels supported, every family feels welcome, and every educator feels backed up in the important work they do. I believe inclusion matters, and it works best when it’s consistent from one grade to the next. Right now, RDPSD does well in elementary schools, less in middle school, and even less in high school. That drop can make transitions tough, especially for students who are neurodivergent or have medical needs. Moving from one school to another shouldn’t mean losing support. Teachers already learn strategies for working with all kinds of learners, but we need to make sure the right training, planning, and communication are in place every step of the way. Every student deserves to feel included, understood, and ready to succeed. Usually, people say not to run for a school council or board position with an agenda. I’ve always followed that advice, until now. I’m running for the RDPSD Board of Trustees with a clear goal: to make relationships between home, school, and community stronger. That’s going to influence everything I do. I’ll always listen with an open mind, but I’ll stay focused on building trust, supporting inclusion, and making sure families feel connected to their schools. These aren’t political goals; they’re community ones. When we work together, we give our students the best chance to thrive. I think RDPSD is one of the best school divisions in Alberta. From piloting the assurance framework to having leaders who listen to understand, I’ve always been glad my kids go here. But “good” can still get better. While our school councils are well supported, we can strengthen the everyday relationships between families and schools. I’ve heard from parents across Alberta that when these connections are strong, students and staff do better. My goal is to build on what’s already working while making sure every voice is heard, every family feels welcome, and every student has what they need to succeed.