Running for: St. Albert Public School Trustee
Years resident in community: 30 years
Neighbourhood: Grandin
Age: 56
Family status: Mother of 3 children, 1 Grandchild
Education: Bachelor of social work, Bachelor of arts, recreation, leisure
Current Occupation: Social worker, manager of adult programs
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kimarmstrong.ca
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/armstrongkimb
Q: What was your primary motivation to seek elected office?
I am seeking re-election because I am a passionately-committed advocate for children, families and communities. I believe that working as a trustee allows me to use the skills and experiences gained over seven years on the school board, to support the ongoing mission of, “striving to ensure all students become life-long learners, confident and capable of shaping their future and meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.” I’m looking forward to being an advocate with the provincial government for St. Albert students and to seek ways to enhance meaningful public engagement for the future of our growing district.
Q: What skills and experiences have prepared you for this office??
As a practising social worker in a community-development, non-profit agency, I have experience bringing together stakeholders with diverse needs and desires, building relationships and establishing common ground. As a part-time book-keeper for more than 30 years, I have learned the importance of fiscal responsibility, financial oversight and accountability. As a trustee, I have come to appreciate the importance of developing policies that are reflective of the community, meaningful to parents, and student-centred. Active listening, thoughtful questioning and critical analysis have helped to increase my efficacy as a trustee working for student success and well-being.
Q: What do you think are the most important issues to the community at large?
I believe one of the greatest issues for the school board will be stewarding growth and transitioning leadership while maintaining a culture of lifelong learning, collaboration and inclusion. Community and stakeholder engagement will be critical in this process. It will be important to balance provincial legislation and funding with maintaining a high quality educational experience for our students while considering community standards and expectations. The emerging needs of students as we prepare them for the future, will require pro-active visioning and planning for the implementation of new curriculum. This would include developing strategic support for teachers and schools.
Q: What specific goals will you work to achieve if elected?
I will work to achieve: enhanced community engagement to plan for direction setting and accountability in the district; commitment from city council to provide appropriate sized school sites; continued development of board accountability and self-assessment practices; a community consultation process for the successful recruitment of a new superintendent; continue the promotion of student engagement and input in shaping the direction of their education; continue to build relationships with stakeholders and the community to begin conversations about a unified, publicly-funded, universally-accessible school system for Alberta's students. Please vote for Kim Armstrong for St. Albert public school trustee for accountability, advocacy and engagement.
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