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Francis Poole

Candidate for the Hamlet of Sherwood Park, Electoral Subdivision No. 2

Q: Why do you want to be a school trustee, and what experience do you bring to the role?
A: I desire to be a public school trustee to ensure every student has access to a high quality education. I believe that strong public schools are the foundation to healthy, thriving communities. Schools teach academic skills and values that prepare students to become effective, contributing citizens. I have been a resident of Sherwood Park since 1990 with my children and grandchildren attending EIPS schools. I have served in education for 37 years. Twenty-five years of my educational career have been spent as a teacher and administrator in EIPS. During this time, my work has been recognized in the following manner:

  • 2015 – one of “Canada’s Outstanding Principals” Award
  • 2016 – Elk Island Public Schools “Bruce Beliveau Leadership Award”
  • 2022 – “Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal” for outstanding contributions to education
  • 2025 – “King Charles III Coronation Medal” for outstanding contribution to education

I believe Elk Island Public Schools is a very strong school division. I believe my training and experience will serve me well as a trustee in facing the many challenges that lay ahead for education in Alberta.

Q: One of the primary roles of a school board is advocating for public education and the Division. How do you see yourself fulfilling this responsibility?
A: As a public school trustee, I would advocate for public education by actively engaging with the community, listening to concerns and bringing their voices to the Board. To me, a very high priority would also be advocacy with our provincial government. Three major areas of advocacy would be adequate funding, new school construction and clear, informed educational policies. Over the last several years I have been deeply involved in provincial politics and have a keen understanding of the processes necessary to see educational reform occur. I believe it is imperative to not see the government as an adversary, but rather an ally in providing quality education. I believe good things happen when we foster strong, positive relationships with our community and government.

Q: What do you see as the biggest issue facing Elk Island Public Schools in the next four years, and what is your vision for addressing that issue?
A: I believe the single biggest issue facing EIPS is classroom complexity. Our recent population growth in Alberta has seen a significant rise in classroom sizes and complex needs of students (i.e. language skills, trauma, learning difficulties, etc.). This stress is felt by teachers, students, and families alike. I believe the provincial government recognizes the problem and is at least making some attempts to address it through increased teacher hiring and new school construction. This will be helpful, but slow in coming. I believe it will be necessary to take a long look at the EIPS budget and make this issue a priority. There are only so many priorities a division can have, so some may need to be delayed to support the urgent ones. I believe classroom complexity is one of the urgent ones.

Q: What kind of relationship should a school division and its Board have with its community, its parents and its families?
A: The school division and Board need to foster a strong position of listening to our families and communities. Elk Island Public Schools has a very unique profile in that we have both urban and rural communities that we serve. These bring diverse challenges. It is incumbent upon the school division to listen intently to the needs and priorities expressed by both demographics. The Board can best hear from parents by attending and listening at school councils which are open to all parents to express their views and priorities.

Q: What do you believe should be done to ensure diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments in schools?
A: Having served for 25 years as a school administrator in Elk Island Public Schools, I have seen first hand the division’s commitment to diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments. I commend EIPS for their strong policies and administrative procedures along this line. It would be my commitment to continually communicate the strong policies that we currently have throughout the division. Staff and parents alike need to be continually reminded of these policies and their importance. A written policy is of little value if not lived out through those it is intended for. This needs to begin with the Board of Trustees and move outward from there.

Q: If elected, how would you support Elk Island Public Schools alternative programs—which include French Immersion, German Language and Culture, Ukrainian Language and Culture, Alternative Christian, Logos Christian, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Outreach and Sport for Life?
A: I believe in a robust and comprehensive public school system. Alternative program choices ensure that all students have access to education that meets their diverse learning needs, interests, and future goals. These programs empower students to thrive by providing flexible pathways to their learning. Some students attending alternative programs may not flourish in traditional settings. Supporting these options demonstrates a commitment to student centered education and innovation. Alternative programs exist throughout EIPS, and this demonstrates that the EIPS leadership is listening to the voices of parents and families who desire this diversity. Within EIPS, these alternative programs are highly subscribed to demonstrating both interest and viability. I commend EIPS for their commitment to these programs and as a trustee I would strongly commit to their continuance and even possible expansion.