One the roles of trustees is to advocate for Public Education. The Board of Trustees create an Advocacy Work Plan each year that identifies the priorities and strategies for this work. One aspect of this advocacy takes place in conversations with other elected officials and community stakeholders. During October, trustees had opportunities for conversation at the following events:
Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce meeting
Vegreville Chamber of Commerce meeting
Meeting with the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and members of his team
Meeting with the Board Chair and Superintendent of Elk Island Catholic Schools
The mandate letters, for the following Alberta government ministries, have helped inform the 2023-24 Advocacy Work Plan: Education, Advanced Education, Mental Health and Addictions and Children and Family Services.
The Elk Island Public Schools Assurance Review meetings provide the Board of Trustees with the opportunity to see how departments and schools did in meeting their 2022-23 goals and priorities. These presentations include strengths and successes, areas for growth and challenges that were experienced. The trustees met with the following departments at the end of October as part of the Assurance Review process: Business Services, Communications, Finance, Human Resources, Informational Technology, Student Transportation and Supports for Students. Through the Assurance Reviews, areas of advocacy are identified and the trustees continue to refine the 2023-24 Advocacy Work Plan.
Remembrance Day Services
I attended Wes Hosford service on November 3 and presented to EIPS wreath at the ceremony at Millenium Place on Saturday November 11.
Questions, comments - please email me at don.irwin@eips.ca or call or text 587 986 3900. I will be available all summer.
Don Irwin
Trustee
Sherwood Park