Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions about the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Catholic School Trustee Candidate, Chantal Beaver. 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?
Years of underfunding have contributed to most of the issues. Schools must do more with less, as infrastructure falls behind rising enrollment, often forcing students into classrooms and portables that were originally designed for 17 to 25 students. All the while, overextended educators and support staff struggle, and students with complex needs don’t always have access to essential services.
Educators and limited support staff are doing their best to meet the needs of 30 or more students at once, many of whom have complex needs. Educators are being asked to act not only as teachers but also as counsellors, social workers, and childcare workers. This is simply not sustainable.
Mental health and wellness are also key issues facing students and teachers today. We need more trained professionals in our schools, better referral systems, and increased awareness of trauma-informed practices and the resources to support them (including money and time). Teachers and support staff deserve workplaces where they feel safe, supported, and valued, just as much as students deserve learning environments where they feel seen and heard.
Ultimately, trustees must listen to those working in the classrooms and advocate for policies rooted in data, compassion, and dignity. That is what I intend to do.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Alberta Education Act and the limitations placed on trustees?
I understand both the responsibilities and limits of my potential role. Trustees are not managers; the Board is collectively responsible for oversight, defining strategic goals, and ensuring policies align with the priorities of educators and families, as well as provincial legislation. Trustees need to understand and respect that administrative duties are handled by the superintendent and school leadership, while maintaining accountability for the overall system.
Trustees also serve an advocacy role. Although they cannot manage day-to-day school operations, they can and should help represent families, educators, and support staff by advocating for public education to be a priority in Alberta and for the Alberta Education Act to accurately reflect the real needs of the system.
With extensive governance experience, I am well-versed in the fiduciary duties associated with board leadership. To that end, I am dedicated to raising key questions about budgets, resource allocation, and policy development, always within the framework of the Education Act.
Harvard: What support will you offer the Superintendent in implementing the board’s strategic direction?
I have served on and led boards for many years, and I understand the difference between governance and management. I also recognize the importance of support and accountability. With that said, I will support the superintendent by practicing respectful and responsible governance, based on clear policies, transparency, and strategic direction. I will help ensure the superintendent has the guidance, trust, and support needed to lead effectively, while sharing and respecting the values of our Catholic school community.
Harvard: Do you have children in the system, and how have their experiences influenced your perspective?
Yes, I have two children currently enrolled in the Fort McMurray sperate Catholic Division. My son attends Father Mercredi High School, and my daughter goes to Holy Trinity High School. They both completed their elementary years at Father Beau. As parents, my husband and I have a front-row seat to the strengths and challenges in our region’s schools.
My children’s experiences have strongly influenced my view. They remind me that as trustees, we must always focus on what students and staff need. I am not running to speak over teachers or families, but to honestly represent their experiences with care, honesty, and a goal to make our local schools healthier, safer, and more accessible for students and staff.
I’ve seen their teachers go above and beyond in the face of increasingly crowded classrooms. I’ve felt the weight of tough decisions, such as whether to advocate for additional support for my own child (who has an ILP) or to hold back out of empathy for the ridiculous load placed on staff. I walked into my daughter’s Grade Seven classroom just last month and wondered where the 37 students were even going to fit. My concerns are not abstract; they are my family’s daily realities, just as they are for families and educators across our community.
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