Krista Scott
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: For over two decades I have been actively involved in public education, primarily as a volunteer and advocate and previously as a teacher. This involvement allowed me to engage with EIPS trustees and acquaint myself with the business of the board. I am passionate about public education and local decision making. Through school councils, the EIPS Committee of School Councils, and the provincial Alberta School Councils Association I have extensive experience working alongside trustees and senior administration. I understand the important role of the locally elected trustee and believe a good trustee carries the voice of their electorate to the board table and speaks on behalf of their community keeping in mind the needs of all students and the responsibility of the board to the government, ultimately making decisions in the best interest of all students in Elk Island Public Schools.
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: I have been involved in education advocacy for almost two decades. Through involvement with multiple school councils and EIPS’ Committee of School Councils, I have advocated for local issues such as safe and affordable transportation, reasonable bell times, safety concerns, capital projects, and modernization issues. As the board considered the closure of Colchester and Ministik Schools, I advocated for students to be moved as cohorts and families to have grandfathered bussing. On a provincial level, through my involvement with the Alberta School Councils Association, I addressed several Ministers of Education and advocated for curriculum, assessments, funding, classroom supports, transportation and countless other issues affecting transparency and accountability. In the role of trustee, this advocacy would continue based on the needs of our school division. Capital projects, education funding, curriculum development and implementation, and ensuring the autonomy of locally elected school boards are advocacy priorities.
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: Preventing the politicization of the board table is my greatest priority. In order to make decisions in the best interest of all students, trustees must not present a conflict of interest. The board must be able to fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities and obligation to students without political pressures. All governance decisions impact operations. Maintaining focus on education and education issues is paramount in meeting the educational needs of students which is the highest priority for Elk Island Public Schools. I understand what government legislation and ministerial orders require of the board, how policy is reviewed and developed, and how together with community engagement these things are carried forward to guide the operations of Elk Island Public Schools. I am non partisan and can discuss education issues and debate the merit of a position respectfully, work collaboratively with others, and speak from a collective voice once a decision has been reached.
Q: What kind of relationship should a school division and its Board have with its community, its parents and its families?
A: Welcoming input from the education stakeholders means welcoming input from parents, families, and the community. When the board listens, students are supported. Engaging stakeholders and clearly communicating is respectful and necessary for the board to make sound collective decisions. Being able to provide data and feedback creates transparency and strengthens relationships between EIPS administration, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders. Through school councils and EIPS Committee of School Councils, I have participated in asking questions, giving feedback, and advising school based administration, senior administration, and trustees. Trustees in EIPS are expected to attend school councils and I have considerable experience being an active and invested stakeholder by being involved at various school council tables for over 15 years.
Q: What do you believe should be done to ensure diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments in schools?
A: EIPS has a responsibility to ensure positive learning and working environments for all. This goal needs to continue to guide policy development and operations. This becomes more difficult when supports and resources are not available. In EIPS four year plan, priority 2 states “enhance high quality learning and work environments” which supports this goal. As with all goals, challenges and growth are monitored and measured. This data allows for adjustments to be made and challenges to be addressed. The Annual Assurance review gives opportunity to examine results and evaluate factors such as mental health and well being, fostering a healthy environment for staff, and enhancing respectful student relationships. Advocating for continued/increased funding and continuing to review indicators and develop assurances is paramount to ensuring that the goal is being met.
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: EIPS has done a phenomenal job of offering diverse programming allowing choice in education. I support alternative programs and my own family has benefitted from the opportunity to be enrolled in EIPS alternative programs. I believe that in order to maintain the breadth of programming offered, we need to ensure that we have access to funding and that these programs meet criteria for continuance. All programming in Elk Island Public Schools must help to achieve the goals set out in the Four Year Education Plan ensuring success for all students.