November 15, 2023

Embracing Change and Preparing for the Future

Our 2023 Fall Conference and Annual General Meeting brought about some changes to our Board of Directors. We have a new First and Second Director who both come to us with unique perspectives and a long-standing history with the public school system in Alberta. After serving two years with us as First Director, Tasha Oatway-McLay from the Sturgeon School Division stepped down and we welcomed Patrick Grisonich from the Medicine Hat Public School Division. We also said good-bye to Lorraine Stewart from the Parkland School Division who served on our board for two years and we welcomed in Timothy O’Hara from the Fort McMurray Public School Division as our new Second Director.

After serving as Director for Edmonton Public Schools for two years, Marsha Nelson bid us farewell and we welcomed Jan Sawyer as the new Director for Edmonton Public Schools.  I cannot thank our departing members enough for all their hard work and devotion to their roles, their passion and efforts will not be forgotten. I am honoured to extend a warm welcome to our new members and express my heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the betterment of our public schools. I am eager and excited to work alongside both these individuals as I know they will have vital knowledge our board can use and perspectives that are essential to the continued growth of PSBAA.

While I was listening to our conference guest speaker Glenn Tucker discuss what successful leadership looks like, I was struck with a sense of pride and motivation. I truly believe our Board and our PSBAA members are on the right track to move public education in a positive direction, and to be the voice of support for students and teachers across the province. I can see the passion and devotion our members have, and I am confident in what’s to come.

Our public schools are the bedrock of our communities, shaping the minds and lives of our young citizens. Together, as a united team, we hold the power to create lasting, positive impacts on the lives of students and their families. In these ever-evolving times, our roles as stewards of public education carries more weight now than ever before. We will no doubt face challenges, but by coming together as a collective force, we will be able to foster change. Optimism is the fuel that drives individuals to overcome obstacles, and gratitude is the foundation upon which we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable public school system. It was clearly shown to me at this year’s fall conference that we have an abundance of both. As Glenn Tecker pointed out, the potential we possess is boundless, and the impact we can make as a collective is immeasurable.

With new members joining our board and change upon us, I want to send out this friendly reminder that change is not something to be feared, but to be embraced. New ideas and fresh perspectives are the catalysts for progress. With the collaborative efforts of our diverse and passionate members, I am confident that we will rise to meet the needs of our school boards and our students province wide. I know we will work tirelessly to ensure that our public schools continue to be places of inspiration, innovation, and excellence.

Dennis MacNeil, PSBAA President