Last Updated: Wednesday - 01/05/2011

Ward 1 — West Edmonton

Debbie Engel

It has been my privilege to serve as your trustee, and to hold the position of chairperson of the board. I seek re-election because I want to ensure our children receive a quality education of the highest standard, and grow up with strong morals, values and Christian principles.

I have spent the last three years working toward these goals, increasing my experience and knowledge base, and building an extensive network in the educational community that has allowed me to be an effective force on our school board.

Over the past three years, with your help and support, my colleagues and I have:

• Worked with government to have five new schools approved.
• Substantially increased district utilization.
• Forged effective working relationships with government.
• Increased accountability and fiscal responsibility.

I have also:

• Actively participated in school and faith activities.
• Initiated and facilitated a faith development seminar linking parents, parishes and schools.
• Brought ideas and concerns from parent advisory committees to the board.
• Facilitated workshops prior to division wide school council meetings, enhancing their effectiveness.
• Listened and responded to your concerns and issues consistently and fairly.

Still, there is much to do. I will continue to invest as much time as necessary to lobby for increased funding to: eliminate high fees and excessive fundraising; reduce class sizes; improve special needs integration; and to ensure fair compensation to all employees involved in the education of children.

I have the time, knowledge, energy and experience to make this happen, so I ask for your continued support.

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