Trustee development conference draws more than 160 people

Election held for three Executive Committee positions

EDMONTON, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - Both new and returning trustees from 32 school boards throughout Alberta attended the Public School Boards' Association (PSBAA) of Alberta's annual University Program to assist trustees in their important leadership roles. On the final day of the three-day event held in Edmonton, November 3 to 6, elections were held for the following Executive positions: First Vice-President, Second Vice President and Director.

PSBAA's Executive Committee is:

			Patty Dittrick, President - Clearview Public Schools
			Karen Prokopowich, First Vice-President - Grande Prairie Public School District
			Sherry Cooper, Second Vice-President - Chinook's Edge School Division
			Lawrence Lee, Director - Red Deer Public Schools
			Cheryl MacIsaac, Director - Buffalo Trail Public Schools.

"Over the years, I have had the pleasure of attending many of our University Programs for trustee development," said Patty Dittrick, PSBAA President. "It's exciting to welcome new trustees on board and renew so many friendships with those returning."

In assessing the value of the University Program, Dittrick pointed to Dr. John Wiens's comments at the beginning of the event.

Wiens, the Dean and Professor at the University of Manitoba, opened the program on the first day complimenting the association and all trustees for their vision and leadership in developing such an initiative, something not offered elsewhere in Canada.

Other presenters included Dr. Frank Peters, Professor, Associate Chair and Graduate Coordinator, University of Alberta; Dr. Keith Seel, Director, Institute for Nonprofit Studies, Mount Royal University, and Dr. Jerome Cranston, Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba. Dr. Sam Shaw, the Lois E. Hole Lecture recipient for 2011 discussed the key elements required to be an effective leader and in turn a successful trustee. Dr. Shaw was the former president of NAIT and he is currently Vice-President with natural gas company Encana.

Throughout the three days, participants discussed many topics and issues critical for trustees such as generative governance, educational leadership and a vision for public school education in Alberta.

For further information:

Patty Dittrick
780-479-8080