Kelly Dick
Candidate for the lands lying south of Secondary Highway 630, Electoral Subdivision No. 4
Q: Why do you want to be a school trustee, and what experience do you bring to the role?
A: I’ve proudly called Sherwood Park home for over 45 years, raising my family and deeply investing in our community. From volunteering at Woodbridge Farms Elementary to coaching youth sports, I’ve always been committed to nurturing our children’s growth. Serving on boards like Capital City Gymnastics and Salto Gymnastics, and managing the Sherwood Park Kings Midget AA Oilers, I’ve developed strong leadership and strategic skills that help build thriving programs and teams. As Senior Operations Manager at Salto Gymnastics, I expanded programs and strengthened coaching to benefit our community’s kids.
My experience in business, real estate, and sports has equipped me to lead with vision and serve with heart. I’m running for Elk Island Public School Trustee to give back to the community I love and to ensure every student has the support and opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can build schools where every child thrives.
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: Advocacy starts with listening—to educators, families, and students—and then amplifying their voices where decisions are made. I believe in building strong relationships with the province, working collaboratively to address funding challenges while recognizing Alberta’s unique economic realities. With no provincial sales tax or equalization transfers, we must be smart and strategic in how we advocate for resources—especially as Alberta sees the fastest-growing population of children in Canada. I’ll champion solutions that reflect local needs, push for sustainable investment, and promote the value of public education as a cornerstone of our province’s future. Advocacy isn’t about confrontation—it’s about teamwork, transparency, and putting students first.
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: The biggest challenge is managing rapid growth with limited funding. Alberta’s population of school-aged children is expanding faster than infrastructure, staffing, and support systems can keep up. My vision is to work collaboratively—with the province, municipalities, and industry—to find creative, community-driven solutions. That includes advocating for responsive funding, exploring partnerships to expand programming, and ensuring our schools remain safe, comprehensive, and well-equipped. We must also support teachers with the tools and time they need to succeed. By setting aside
differences and putting our collective heads together, we can build a system that meets today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Q: What kind of relationship should a school division and its Board have with its community, its parents and its families?
A: A strong school board is rooted in trust, transparency, and connection. Families and communities are not just stakeholders—they’re partners in education. The Board should foster open dialogue, welcome diverse perspectives, and make decisions that reflect the lived experiences of those we serve. That means being visible, accessible, and accountable. Whether it’s through town halls, surveys, or informal conversations, we must create space for meaningful engagement. I believe in leading with empathy and listening with intention. When families feel heard and respected, they become active collaborators in student success—and that’s when public education truly thrives.
Q: What do you believe should be done to ensure diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments in schools?
A: A positive school environment is built on respect, understanding, and fairness. Every student should feel safe, supported, and encouraged to do their best. This means providing staff with training to address distinct learning needs and social situations, promoting respectful behavior among students, and ensuring all children have access to the resources they need to succeed. It also means recognizing and valuing the different backgrounds and experiences students bring, making sure no one feels left out. Importantly, teaching and encouraging healthy debate helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to engage in respectful dialogue with differing viewpoints. As a trustee, I will support policies and practices that foster respectful, welcoming schools—where every student feels empowered to express themselves, challenge ideas thoughtfully, and thrive together.
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: Alternative programs enrich our division by offering families choice and students opportunity. I support maintaining and expanding these programs to reflect the interests and needs of our community. Whether it’s faith-based learning, language and culture, academic acceleration, collegiate programming, or flexible pathways like Outreach and Sport for Life, each program plays a vital role in student engagement and success. As trustee, I’ll advocate for fair access, sustainable funding, and strong communication so
families understand their options. I’ll also support staff with the resources they need to deliver high-quality programming. Tailoring education to diverse students’ needs is foundational to a strong education – because one size does not fit all.