Editor:
On Monday (Sept. 23) at 10 a.m., municipal council, mayoral and school board nominations open across Alberta; candidates will declare their intention to run in the upcoming election on Oct. 21.
A scant two hours later, at noon, we’ll see who is stepping forward. I will stand for council this go round, but let me tell you why you should run for school board trustee... or at least give it serious consideration. An election (vs. acclamations) gets the conversation going, issues are examined closely and the community talks to each other.
You don’t have to be an education “expert” to be a trustee. Experience on an active board or an understanding of governance would be helpful, but willingness to act as a team player, to learn about the issues – the context, history and complexity of each one – and to have the best interests of all students in your mind and heart – these capacities make for a great trustee.
My past nine years of trusteeship have seen significant change at the provincial and local level. The government of Alberta has revised The School Act; locally we continue with Inspiring Hearts & Minds. There is positive change in the district, now led by Superintendent Chris MacPhee. The next board members will be part of a wave of innovation and exciting advances.
Don’t know much about campaigning? There is a lot of help from many quarters. Check on the homepage of CRPS (crps.ab.ca) for information and links about nomination, campaigning and other relevant topics.
A little shy about putting yourself in the spotlight? Well, it’s a pretty friendly crowd. You’ll get a lot of credit for just coming forward. Civility and respect are characteristic of Bow Valley local elections. Listening, doing your homework and being clear about your intentions will see you through.
I fervently hope there’ll be enough candidates for school board (and council, for that matter) to kick democracy into action.
Esmé Comfort,
Canmore
