October 18, 2004 is Election Day in Red Deer.  Return to Election Forum - Candidates for Public School Board

Dianne Macaulay

First of all I would like to express that it is an honor to run for Public School Trustee and it would be a great privilege to serve my community in this capacity .I have lived in central Alberta all of my life and in Red Deer for 15 years.I have been married to my husband Don for 12 years, and together we own and operate Central T.V. We have three children. Molli who is in grade six at Central Middle School late French Immersion, Jassmin who is in grade four at Annie L Gaetz enrolled in the Horizon program, And last but not least Duncan who is in grade one at Grandview.That information in a nut shell is the reason I am seeking the position of Public School Trustee.

WHAT CAN I DO IF ELECTED?

Good question.As a voter you have to ask yourself "How good of a job do I feel the past Trustee's have done?"I personally do not see many area's that are at fault except for the individual line of communication has not always been acceptable, for example the new school calendar last year when the public school decided to have Easter break at a different time than the Catholic school. How many of you were finding it hard because sports and other extracurricular activities where not on the same break as you because they had to choose one week or the other. You see a Trustee has individual roles such as being part of other committees ,but to get the most accomplished we have to work as a team not only with the Trustee's ,but I believe that has to include Teachers, Parents, and students.I have been an active part of the all my children's Parent School Councils, so I realize the difficulties that can arise at those meeting between School Boards and Parents and I assure you there will be no lack of communication on my part.Since I am volunteering at the schools on a regular bases now, that information line along with open mindedness ,accountability ,and accessibility will never be lost on my part.

PAST EXPERIENCE

Along with volunteering for the Parent Council groups, I have had the advantage of being part of the City wide and the Alberta Home and School Council's Association which is a wonderful group that reaches parents through their school councils, and encourages parental involvement in public education.It is also the voice of parents/families at a provincial level ,who are committed to the best possible education for Alberta children.

ISSUES -ISSUES- ISSUES

Let me tell you there is no FUN in funding or fundraising.I see first hand the wasted time and energy parents give to their school through chocolate bar sales and bingo's.Everyone is busy these days and it just seem's to me our time at a council meeting could be better spent pursuing the worthiness of our public education through meaningful goals and priorities, not compensating for the governments lack of funding.The cost to every parent in September is sky rocketing. I believe Basic Education should be going to school to learn without multiple fee's being attached to courses and books.And as you can see I have quite the vested interest in this problem.With three kids in school the cost for supplies , books, and courses for my family is in my opinion unacceptable.I do not want to continue to be funding expenses that the government should cover, and I am ready , and able to lobby the Learning Minister to change this. Also the accountability on the school boards end for the annual budget will be a task that will have a high priority with me.

THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND PLEASE VOTE DIANNE MACAULAY ON OCT. 18

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