FMCSD Board- supplied image
New board of trustees sworn in amid ongoing labour dispute
FORT MCMURRAY— The newly elected board of trustees for the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division has been sworn in for the 2025–2029 term, taking office at a time when the region’s education sector is facing significant labour tensions.
Five trustees officially began their duties Monday with an oath-taking ceremony followed by an organizational meeting to assign roles for the coming years. Among them, Dale Barfoot was chosen as board chair while Chantal Beaver will serve as vice-chair.
The trustees started their term in the midst of a broader dispute that has swept through Alberta’s education system, including the local area. Support staff negotiations between the division and its employees remain unresolved, and the province-wide dispute involving the Alberta Teachers’ Association has added further pressure.
In a statement issued earlier this month the division acknowledged the dual challenge of maintaining governance and supporting students in the regional municipality. The statement noted that contingency planning is under way for potential labour action and urged families to stay informed.
The new board says its focus will remain on governance excellence and supporting Catholic education across Fort McMurray. Trustee duties include overseeing policy, budget allocations and stakeholder engagement in a climate of heightened labour sensitivity.
Board chair Barfoot said the trustees understand the significance of assuming their roles at a difficult moment and pledged to work collaboratively with administration, staff and families to sustain student success.
The division has indicated it will publish further updates regarding negotiations and labour-impact contingency plans on its website.
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