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, Jonathan Lambert. 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?
As a former teacher with 15 years of classroom experience, I have a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges within education today. Students are coming to school with a wide range of needs; academic, social, emotional, and even mental health-related that make teaching more complex than ever. Teachers are working hard to meet these needs while also navigating a demanding curriculum, often with limited resources and large class sizes.
Because I’ve been in the classroom, I know firsthand the pressure this creates for teachers, but I also know the extraordinary dedication and devotion they bring to their work. In FMPSD, I’ve seen how our past and current teachers and support staff go above and beyond every single day to give their students the best possible chance to succeed. It is truly remarkable to witness the care, creativity, and commitment they put into each child’s learning.
To me, one of the key issues is making sure we recognize and support that dedication by giving staff the tools, professional development, and manageable conditions they need. When we invest in teachers and support staff, we are directly investing in students. And for Fort McMurray, that means ensuring every child, no matter their background or circumstance, has the chance to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring school environment.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Alberta Education Act and the limitations placed on trustees?
Having served as an FMPSD Trustee for the past eight years, I have developed a decent working knowledge of the Alberta Education Act (although my goal is still to be as well versed in it as our current Chair! 🙂). One of the key responsibilities of any trustee is to become familiar with the Act, as it clearly defines our role and sets the boundaries of our work.
Trustees are elected to serve at the governance level: we are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the division, passing policies, approving budgets, and ensuring accountability to our students, families, and community.
It is equally important to recognize what trustees do not do. We do not involve ourselves in the day-to-day operations of schools as that responsibility belongs to the Superintendent and administration. Respecting this division of roles is critical to good governance. When trustees focus on vision, policy, and accountability, and administration focuses on operations and implementation, we create a strong, effective system that serves students well.
In FMPSD, I have seen firsthand how this balance works. By respecting our governance role and supporting administration in their operational role, the division has been able to deliver innovative programs, support diverse learners, and respond quickly to community needs, all while keeping student success at the center. This model of collaboration and respect is something I am committed to continuing.
Harvard: What support will you offer the Superintendent in implementing the board’s strategic direction?
I have consistently supported the Superintendent over my eight years as a Trustee in FMPSD in carrying out the board’s strategic direction, and I will continue to do so moving forward if elected. One of the most important ways trustees can provide this support is by setting a clear vision, aligning policies with the needs of our community, and ensuring the resources are in place to achieve our priorities.
During my time on the board, I also had the privilege of serving as Vice Chair for one year. That role gave me the opportunity to engage in more direct conversations with the Superintendent and the Board Chair on a range of important matters. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of the Superintendent’s responsibilities and challenges, and it strengthened my appreciation for the importance of trust, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving at the governance level.
As a trustee, I will continue to support the Superintendent by maintaining respectful communication, asking constructive questions, and keeping the board’s focus on student outcomes. When trustees provide steady governance and strong advocacy, and the Superintendent leads with expertise and vision, FMPSD is best positioned to meet the needs of our students and families.
Harvard: Do you have children in the system, and how have their experiences influenced your perspective?
I do not currently have children in FMPSD schools, and I actually see that as a unique strength in my role as trustee. It allows me to approach board discussions without a personal conflict of interest tied to any one school or program and to keep my focus on what is best for all students across the division. For example, trustees who have spouses employed by FMPSD must declare a conflict of interest and step away from important conversations, such as budget reviews and approvals, which can unfortunately limit their ability to fully participate in some of the most critical decisions we face.
In my case, I am able to be fully engaged in every discussion and decision around the board table. That means I can consistently represent the voices of families, teachers, and community members without restriction. Over my eight years as a trustee, I’ve strengthened that perspective by listening closely to parents, staff, and students across Fort McMurray, learning from their experiences and their needs.
I chose to serve as a Public School Board Trustee because I was a teacher in the public system for 15 years, and I deeply believe in the value of public education. I know firsthand the difference public schools make in building strong, inclusive communities, and I want to ensure every child in FMPSD has access to those same opportunities. While I may not bring the lens of a parent with children currently in the division, I bring the commitment of someone who has dedicated their career to public education and who can participate fully, fairly, and without conflict in every decision to support FMPSD students and staff.
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