FMPSD Trustee Candidate Q&A: Lorna Spargo

Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions on the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Public School Trustee Candidate, Lorna Spargo. All responses are from the candidate or their agent and are unedited by Harvard Media News.

Harvard: What do you see as the key issues facing students and teachers today?  I

1.  Funding-for the past five or six years, FMPSD has had to cope with insufficient funding to adequately cover the cost of educating all of the students in our diverse, growing division-thankfully, after much advocacy, this past year, the Department of Education and the Government adopted a new funding model which will serve us better going forward.
2. Staffing and Facilities-for the past number of years, we have struggled to attract and retain enough teaching and EA staff.  There is also a shortage of affiliated professionals in the community to support the needs of our students.  We have also been advocating for more classroom space and more portables.  While some of the pressure points will be relieved with the recent announcements, continued efforts are required.
3.  Government Legislation/Initiatives-we have seen significant new curricula, mandates and legislation handed to Divisions by the Department of Education which require staff to adapt to and implement, without significant and widespread consultation-our Board has continuously advocated for more consultation with the Board, staff, and community on both the content and the implementation.  That work will need to continue.

Harvard: How familiar are you with the Alberta Education Act and the limitations placed on trustees? 

As a sitting Trustee, I have spent the last four years learning about the Education Act and the limitations on trustees.  I understand and accept that we “speak with one voice” after rigorous, robust debate.  I understand and accept that the Board Chair is the official spokesperson of the Board and that we may only make official statements under the direction of the Board.

1. 1. As we are a governance board, we do not delve into the operations of the Division.  We learn about what is happening within our schools so that we can focus on our roles of oversight and advocacy.
   2. Our oversight is meant to ensure that the Division’s spending aligns with our core business-educating students and empowers staff to support students to succeed along their journey
   3. Our advocacy is important but it isn’t similar to the advocacy of other groups within our school community.  Boards sit at the will of the Minister.  If we are to be able to advocate for the needs of our local community, we must maintain a respectful relationship that allows for honest communication.  I have spent the past four years respectfully advocating, at the direction of the Board, for support for our students, staff, and system.

Harvard: What support will you offer the Superintendent in implementing the board’s strategic direction?

For the Superintendent to lead the Division with excellence, she must have clear direction from the Board who understand the difference between governance and operations and who are willing to stay in their lane.  The Board-Superintendent communication and trust are vital to a well run organization that supports student success.  I pledge to continue to conduct myself so that our Division can be as effective as possible.

Harvard: Do you have children in the system, and how have their experiences influenced your perspective?

1. My three children have now graduated from FMPSD, as did I. I am running to serve within a Division which supported and challenged my children as they grew.  As a Composite graduate, Westwood and Greely Road teacher, Ecole Dickinsfield, Ecole McTavish,  Westwood School Council/fundraising society parent and a one term Trustee, I have a long-time investment in the Division’s motto of “Doing What’s Best For Kids”.  I value the people that I have worked alongside and who helped shape my children into the adults that they are today.
2. I would like the opportunity to continue the work of the Board. If anyone has any further questions, please check out my website:  fortrustee.com