Susan Miller
Candidate for the lands lying north of Secondary Highway 630, Electoral Subdivision No. 3
Q: Why do you want to be a school trustee, and what experience do you bring to the role?
A: I believe that children are our most precious resource. They are our future leaders, politicians, lawmakers and innovators. Every child deserves a high quality education where they can grow, learn and aspire to run after their dreams.
I have had the privilege of serving as a Trustee for the past 4 years and it has been a very rewarding experience. I have met the most wonderful people in my community that I would never of met otherwise. This role has given me an even greater passion for seeing a solid education system where our students thrive and the best interests of all students is paramount. Success for every student is the goal.
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: Advocating for public education is one of the responsibilities of a trustee. Ensuring that the voice of the local community is heard by those who have the ability to prioritize and fund education is an important role. The impact of advocacy should not be underestimated. Many decisions have been adopted, altered or abandoned because of advocacy.
Advocacy can be done in multiple different ways.
– Reaching out to different levels of government
– working with your local elected MLA
– having parents, students and teachers involved (bring concerns to Parent Council Meetings)
– making your community aware of issues (public engagement sessions)
There are many issues we could be advocating for:
Complexity in the classroom is becoming a real concern. It is difficult for children to learn when there are disruptions happening in the classroom frequently during the day.
Learning gaps are also an issue I would be advocating for. Too many students are struggling to keep pace with the concepts they are being taught a their current grade levels and consequently are falling behind. These gaps can have significant consequences in relation to high school graduation.
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: We are living in a time when education needs strong leaders.
There are many challenges facing school divisions today, funding issues, complexity in the classroom and a lack of supports in the classroom, just to name a few. I believe equitable funding for students with greater needs should be a priority. Students who are behind, should not be left behind.
Aging infrastructure is also an issue school boards are facing that needs to be addressed. School divisions expend millions of dollars each year to keep schools operating. We need to be funded adequately so our buildings are safe for students and staff. A lack of funding can lead to deteriorating buildings which can impact student success.
Trustees need to ensure that our limited resources are being used in a fiscally responsible way, in order to maximize the impact of education funds. Advocating and engaging with government officials on behalf of the of the division is crucial.
Q: What kind of relationship should a school division and its Board have with its community, its parents and its families?
A: Alberta's school boards operate with local autonomy, enabling them to address the unique challenges and opportunities in their communities. One of the roles of a trustee is to listen and engage with their local constituents. Trustees are a bridge between the community and the school division, bringing any questions, suggestions or concerns to the board of trustees. Trustees are accountable to the families and students they represent. As elected officials we are here to serve our communities.
Having a working relationship and ongoing communication with our communities, enables all voices to have an opportunity to be heard, which is an important element to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children.
Q: What do you believe should be done to ensure diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments in schools?
A: Students spend so much of their waking hours at school. It is important that they are in an environment that is safe, respectful and where they feel valued. Schools should be a place where every student receives the necessary supports they need to thrive.
-Promoting kindness, acceptance and empathy in school, goes a long way in creating good citizens.
-Having positive relationships and building trust among staff and students fosters connection.
-Students desire to be heard, “Student Voice” is an amazing tool that allows students to feel that they are apart of the larger community.
-Equity is not always equal, but it is important to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.
-Schools need clear, consistent rules and expectations for behaviour. EIPS has Administrative Procedure 350, which sets out behavioural expectations for all students, is a very helpful resource.
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: As a Trustee, I am a very much in favour of alternative programs in education. They provide a wide range of program choice for students and parents. These programs are important to meet our students specific education goals, increase student engagement and accommodate diverse learning styles. It offers families an opportunity to choose an educational experience that differs from the traditional model catering to a wide range of needs and interests. As the division is responsible for the provision of programming to all students, making sure these programs remain available, viable and funded will be my priority.