The chair of the Bow Valley's public school board has been named as part of the executive of a provincial body that advocates for public boards in the province.
The chair of the Bow Valley's public school board has been named as part of the executive of a provincial body that advocates for public boards in the province.
Carol Picard – recently acclaimed trustee for Canadian Rockies School Board and in her second term as chair – was named to the Public School Board Association (PSBAA) new executive committee on Friday (Nov. 17).
The former editor and founder of the Rocky Mountain Outlook put her name forward at the organization's annual general meeting in Edmonton because she felt it was her time to do some of the “heavy lifting” when it comes to public school boards in Alberta.
Picard said the recent municipal election, which also serves as the election for public school boards, saw a 47 per cent turnover in trustees, which means there are a lot of new elected officials out there.
“There are a lot of rookies out there and trusteeship takes a lot of learning,” she said. “I feel that, given the experience I have, it is my turn to do some of the heavy lifting.”
The PSBAA has a vision, mission and work plan – but its role is to represent public school trustees and public school boards in Alberta. As an advocacy organization, it also works with the provincial government and minister of education for an all inclusive school system that respects and honours the constitutional rights of the Catholic faith.
“When we have an opportunity to meet with the minister, we advocate for children's needs,” Picard said.
The PSBAA also provides professional development training for trustees in areas such as how to be a trustee and their fiduciary responsibilities.
Picard is joined on the executive by Cathy Hogg with Prairie Rose School Division, Gerry Steinke with Northern Gateway Public Schools, Lanie Parr with Buffalo Trail Public Schools, Karen Becker from Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools and Cheryl Johner with Edmonton Public Schools.
“I am very honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to serve as president,” said the association president Hogg.
“I look forward to working with and learning from our members. Our executive committee members, Gerry, Lanie, Carol, Karen and Cheryl, are dedicated to placing children first in all that we undertake and in continuing to work collaboratively will all Albertans.”
Got to www.public-schools.ab.ca for more information on the organization.
