An incumbent trustee for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools is running again because her work is not done.
Joan Crockett, who was elected to the Catholic board in a byelection in 2009, is currently vice-chair of the board. She said the decision to run again wasn’t difficult.
“It was very easy,” said Crockett by phone Friday. “I feel I’m committed. I was a teacher.”
Crockett began her teaching career in Legal in 1975 and taught in multiple areas. She said serving as trustee is a logical continuation of her life in education.
“I just find it is a continuation of my passion,” she said.
Crockett said, looking back, she’s very proud of the Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Education Foundation, which is a non-profit organization composed of community volunteers who raise funds so the division can enhance the educational and spiritual opportunities for students enrolled. Crockett stated she’s also proud the foundation includes a student on the board.
Crockett said she also feels strongly that she’s contributed to building a vibrant, engaged environment that includes home-schooled students and that preserves and promotes Catholic education.
She said Catholic trustees have a tough job.
“We do have to dance to two different drummers,” she said. Catholic schools include both civil law and canon law.
One goal she is looking forward to if re-elected is getting student representation right on the board of trustees. She said parents, teachers and administration all get their voices heard, but the students don’t always. The student representation on the foundation board proved that the idea works well, stated Crockett.
She also stated the school division has a responsibility to nurture students and encourage them to have a deeper relationship with humanity, creating a more humanistic student.
She said some exciting challenges looking ahead include the 150th anniversary of Catholic education in St. Albert next year and the passing of the Education Act in 2015.
More information about Crockett’s campaign is available at www.joan4trustee.com, or follow her on Twitter, @trusteeJoan.
