Specific Goals
Protect publicly-funded Catholic education
Catholic education is something special and unique.
One of the major challenges facing publicly funded Catholic education is the perception that it might be cheaper to have a single public school board, perhaps offering a Catholic program. Studies, however, have shown that it’s not actually cheaper. There is an optimal size for a school board, and more importantly, Catholic education really is something special and unique! It cannot simply be offered as a course or a program in a public school because our Catholic faith must permeate the entire school day — everything we do, teach, and model is rooted in faith. In addition, it is our constitutional right to have publicly funded Catholic schools in Alberta.
When people ask, ‘Why have Catholic education?’ I like to turn the question around and say, ‘Why not?’ Our students achieve stellar academic results in a faith-based environment, where they learn about God, understand they are never alone, and know they always have someone to turn to. Catholic principles — accepting all people, treating everyone with dignity and respect — are inherent in everything we do.
Combine that with the graduates we produce, who are compassionate, skilled, and valuable members of the community, and it’s clear that Catholic education is not only distinct but essential. The way to address this challenge is to continue showing the value of Catholic education, through our students’ successes, our strong faith-based learning environment, and the positive impact our graduates have on society. Simply put, Catholic education works, and it works beautifully.
Expanding franchise to all ECSD parents
Edmonton Catholic is one of the fastest growing school districts in Alberta and immigrant families account for a large percentage of that growth. I have recently tabled a motion that would give immigrants to right to vote in municipal elections. I started thinking of all the hundreds of doors I’ve knocked on, and how many people have had kids in the system from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and are still waiting for their Canadian citizenship but have been landed immigrants for four or five years and have never been able to vote for the trustee that represents their child.
This must change.
Building and expanding schools
Edmonton Catholic Schools is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes urgent needs in infrastructure and learning spaces.
Right now, Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal (IMR) and Capital Maintenance and Renewal (CMR) funding are not sufficient. We need these funds to be right-sized to reflect real costs and needs, so schools can be maintained in a systematic, responsible way.
We must also return to the practice of announcing modular classrooms in January, so they are ready for students in September. Too often, schools are overcrowded for half the year while waiting for modulars (portables) to arrive.
Today, our division is at 100% utilization, with half of our schools operating well over capacity. To serve students properly, we need more capital project approvals and timely delivery of new schools, particularly on site-ready locations where communities are waiting.
Finally, the funding formula for furniture and equipment (F&E) must be updated to reflect today’s costs. Without this, new schools cannot be adequately equipped to support student learning from day one.
As your trustee, I will continue to advocate for fair, timely, and realistic funding so that every student has a safe, welcoming, and fully equipped place to learn.
Inclusive Education
Inclusive education must meet the needs of today’s students — yet Alberta’s standards are more than 20 years old and no longer reflect the realities of the classroom.
We need updated guidelines that provide meaningful direction for supporting students with complex needs.
To ensure success, funding must match the increasing demands in our schools. This includes access to mental health therapists in schools, wraparound services between Education and Mental Health & Addictions, and resources for students with autism and other complex needs. The number of students diagnosed with severe autism continues to grow, and we must provide the supports they deserve.
As your trustee, I will continue to advocate for modernized standards and sustainable funding that empower schools to provide timely, reliable, and compassionate supports for every child.
Dual credit and skilled trades
Alberta’s demand for skilled trades is growing, and our students deserve every opportunity to succeed in these fields.
This fall, Edmonton Catholic Schools is expanding its Collegiate Program, giving students a head start on apprenticeships while earning high school credits. Programs include Welding at St. Oscar Romero and Pipe Trades at Archbishop O’Leary, supported by strong partnerships with NAIT and local industry.
As your trustee, I have been a strong advocate for bringing these opportunities to our students — and I will continue to push for more. To meet the needs of tomorrow, we must invest in dedicated spaces, modern equipment, and expanded programming in skilled trades and technical education.
I am committed to ensuring every student has the chance to explore these pathways, build meaningful careers, and contribute to Alberta’s future.
Transportation
As Edmonton’s student population continues to grow, the demand for yellow bus services is increasing. Without additional funding to expand routes, we will need to extend run times, impacting students’ learning and family schedules.
We must continue to press for increased funding to add bus routes and accommodate our rapidly growing student population, ensuring timely and efficient transportation for all students.
Funding
Ensuring Fair and Adequate Funding for Every Student:
Alberta currently has one of the lowest per-student funding allocations in Canada, which limits the opportunities we can provide for our students. Our goal is to meet or exceed the Canadian average, ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning and support.
Recent changes to PUF (per-unit funding) for pre-kindergarten students have significantly reduced our ability to meet the needs of our youngest learners. We need the criteria for PUF funding to include occupational therapy, behavioral supports, and an overall increase in funding.
The growing workload for speech-language pathologists supporting PUF students also highlights the need for dedicated SLP funding or cross-ministry collaboration to ensure students receive timely and effective interventions.
As your trustee, I will continue to advocate for adequate, equitable funding so that every student — from pre-K to high school — has the support they need to succeed.
Charter Schools
Public and Catholic boards must not be placed at a disadvantage for doing what we are mandated to do: serve every single child who comes through our doors.
Charter schools bring creative ideas to education, but the way they are funded raises real concerns. They are fully funded by the government, yet they do not carry the same broad responsibility as Public, Catholic, and Francophone boards, which must welcome and support every student — no exceptions. This includes students with special learning needs, neurodiverse learners, and those requiring significant supports. Meeting those needs often requires resources far beyond what the government provides, and boards must stretch every dollar to ensure all children receive an optimal learning environment.
Charter schools also benefit from government-funded participation in the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF). At the same time, they are not required to be members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). That means charter teachers do not pay ATA dues, yet in practice they often receive similar salaries and benefits to ATA-negotiated contracts in order to remain competitive. In effect, they benefit from the stability and fairness of the ATA framework without directly contributing to it.
This is a new and emerging issue, and one that must be addressed with fairness in mind.
If re-elected, I will continue to advocate with government for equitable funding and accountability across all publicly funded schools.
Administrative Spending
Recently, there have been statements made to the media that school boards in Alberta spend too much on administration.
Since the provincial government introduced a cap on administrative spending, Edmonton Catholic Schools has consistently operated UNDER the limit, ensuring more of our resources go directly into the classroom to support students and learning.