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As Board Chair of EPSB, Julie Kusiek speaks at a provincial government news conference in support of student success

Strong Board Governance

One of the most common questions I get is “so what exactly does a school board trustee do [and why should I care]?” Learn more about the impact of Trustees and School Boards.

 

I have loved serving as Trustee for the past four years, and bringing experienced, focused leadership and a calm voice to what has been tumultuous times. A few examples over my first term that highlight solid board governance:

 

Solid Board Governance:
Superintendent Oversight

HIRING A SUPERINTENDENT - One of the most important jobs of the Board of Trustees is to hire a Superintendent. After the retirement of Edmonton Public Schools’ long-serving Superintendent, it was my responsibility as Board Chair to ensure that all Trustees on the Board were confident with the Superintendent recruitment process, adjust as needed and proceed as one team each step of the way. This is critical work, and we did it together. 

 

SCHOOL RESULTS REVIEW - In addition to an annual Superintendent evaluation conducted by the Board of Trustees, Trustees also attend Results Review for schools within their Wards. I noticed that some schools were reporting as a catchment, rather than driving down into the achievement results specific for their school and outlining strategies to improve results in alignment with our Division Strategic Plan. I raised this, and things have improved on how goals are set and results are reported. Tracking results, understanding how budget is used to achieve those results and work that is underway towards continuous improvement for student success is something I will continue to do if re-elected to a second term.

Former EPSB Board Chair and City Councillor Bev Esslinger endorses Julie Kusiek for Ward F Trustee
Bev Esslinger describes Julie Kusiek's excellent board governance skills and work as a Trustee
Janet Hancock, retired principal and Chair of CASA mental health endorses Julie Kusiek for Trustee
Janet H. talks about Julie's integrity and leadership regarding police in schools (SRO program)

Solid Governance: Willingness to Learn

The School Resource Officer (SRO) decision was my hardest of the term. Initially campaigning against a formal police partnership in schools in 2021, new information from a 2023 study and further engagement with students, families, staff, and principals revealed significant safety concerns. Trustee Nelson summarized all this new information in a 231-page report in April 2024. The report solidified the need for a re-imagined SRO program as an important tool for the safety toolbox for schools and students. 

 

I voted for the program's return, believing it was the right decision based on new information to support staff and students. The Division is now developing a Safety and Belonging Framework, with SROs being only one part of the updated safety toolbox. The SRO Evaluation Framework ensures oversight and accountability. 


It is my expectation that should any concerns with an SRO arise, that those concerns are taken seriously and dealt with in a timely manner. Also, that meaningful action is taken to ensure those concerns do not arise again. See my comments at the Board meeting here.

Solid Board Governance:
Leadership

Examples of leadership over the my first term:

  • BOARD LEADERSHIP - Initiated a panel discussion to encourage people to consider running for Trustee, hosted by YWCA Edmonton as part of the DirectHER Network. It was an honour to be hosted by such a well respected organization and joined by two other well respected panelists in Alberta’s education community.

  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING - Co-presented at a professional learning session for Trustees regarding school infrastructure, hosted by Public School Boards Association of Alberta.

  • STEADY FOCUS - The past four years have been tumultuous in education. From COVID to curriculum to legislative changes to labour action and more, I have committed to putting students first and maintaining a calm, consistent approach to Board communications and our core mandate.

Photo of book "The Governance Core" by Michael Fullan
An excellent resource for Trustees
Brian Torrence, Exec Director of Ever Active Schools, endorses Julie Kusiek for Trustee
Brian T. attests that Julie Kusiek has been an amazing Board Chair of EPSB, and is a collaborator with a positive impact

Solid Governance: Collaboration

Examples of my work to collaborate over my first term: 

  • BOARD CHAIRS - As Board Chair, I’ve worked to develop relationships with other Board Chairs from across Alberta

    • Participating in regular Metro Board Chair meetings

    • Attending Alberta School Board Association’s Board Chairs and Superintendent engagement sessions

  • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION - Member of the Alberta School Boards Association’s Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Committee. 

  • TEAMWORK - I value the skills and contributions of my fellow trustee board members, as we work together to represent the local interests we are hearserve all students across Edmonton Public Schools.

  • SCHOOL COUNCIL NETWORKING - I value the work that school councils contribute to their school communities in partnership with the school principal. Throughout my first term, I hosted networking gatherings for school council executives from across Ward F (and later also included Ward D) for these leaders to share, ask questions and learn from one another.

I acknowledge that we live, learn, work and play at amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 territory. Public education is a powerful tool for students, their families and the wider community to learn the truth of the past while committing to ongoing acts of reconciliation so that we may build a better future together. I acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and my responsibilities as someone who shares this land "as long as the sun shines, grass grows and river flows." 

 

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