Jacqueline Shotbolt for EIPS Trustee

(Fort Saskatchewan)

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17K

 Students

43

Schools

860

Full Time Staff

What is The Role Of A Trustee?

advocates for children

Trustees are advocates for children, assessing educational policies in terms of what is best for the development of the whole child.

politicians

Trustees are politicians, they are members of a government unit charged with the responsibility to govern the affairs of the school jurisdiction. They are responsible to their electorate through the democratic process.

goal setters

Trustees are goal setters for their school systems, identifying the results the board wishes the system to achieve.

planners

Trustees are planners, setting priorities in light of community expectations, available resources and sound educational practice.

evaluators

Trustees are evaluators, ensuring policies are within the parameters of the board's authority; consistent with goals; compatible with other policies; implemented in a fair and just manner and effective in achieving intended outcomes.

financial planners

Trustees are financial planners. The adoption of the budget is one of the most important decisions a school board makes. It is a statement to the administration and the public that the board is accountable for the dollars spent and it reflects the board's priorities and the blending of the needs and wishes of the community.

policymakers

Trustees are policymakers, crafting policies that guide the administration and other employees toward achieving the jurisdiction's goals.

legislators

Trustees are legislators, setting policy.

communicators

Trustees are communicators, interacting with the many publics that have a stake in education.

advocates for education

Trustees are advocates for education, keeping the positive image of schools before the community to ensure that education is given a high priority and the community is aware of public education's accomplishments.

Receive & disseminate info

Trustees receive and disseminate information.

lobbyists

Trustees are lobbyists, communicating with all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the local community is heard by those who have the power to keep education high on the list of public priorities.

What I Care About

I am focusing on students' educational needs. Now and in the future. I have structured my schedule over the next four years to ensure I will actively participate in all duties of the board members. I am passionate about education and building stronger communities by advocating for the best public education for our students and their families.


Together! Let's make it count!

Budgets
Curriculum
Infrastructure
Jacqueline-Head-Shot

Hi,

I'm Jacqueline Shotbolt

Our family relocated to Fort Saskatchewan in 2019, and there was never a question about which school district our children would attend. At eight and four years old, our children thrive in our community, and we are certainly blessed and grateful for exceptional educational opportunities. As a family, we value community, “be kind,” and giving back without expectations.

This is an unprecedented time in education, both locally and provincially. With the ever-evolving state of education in Alberta, we are faced with opportunities and challenges as diverse as they are many.

I am honoured and excited to be running as your local Public School Trustee candidate.

I am passionate about education and building stronger communities. So together, let’s make it count! I graduated from NAIT with an honour designation for Business Administration diploma; I am currently working towards a degree in Management. As an astute business person and over 16 years as a licensed mortgage broker and property manager, I have a broad range of experience working on various boards. I have first-hand experience with making decisions about large financial decisions. Moreover, I have enjoyed my time in past public speaking, leadership and communication roles.

2021 Advanced Voting - Drive-Thru Voting

Tuesday, October 12 & Wednesday, October 13

Taurus Field Parking Lot
8200 Southfort Drive

10 AM – 3 PM

Thursday, October 14

Dow Centennial Centre - Lions Mane Room
8700 84 Street

10 AM – 8 PM

Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16

Dow Centennial Centre - Lions Mane Room
8700 84 Street

10 AM – 4 PM

ADVANCED VOTING STATION

Thursday October 14, 2021

Rivercrest Care Centre: 10104 – 101st Avenue - 9:00 AM to 12 Noon

Advanced Voting Station

Friday October 15, 2021

Dr Turner Lodge: 9422 – 94th Avenue - 9:00 AM to 12 Noon

Countdown to the Election!

October 18, 2021

Open at 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

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You missed out!

Fort Saskatchewan Polling Stations

Area 1: Fort Saskatchewan Community Hall – Normandy Room 9964 – 93rd Avenue

Fort Saskatchewan Polling Stations

Area 3: Dow Centennial Centre – Lions Banquet Room 8700 – 84th Street

Fort Saskatchewan Polling Stations

Area 2: Win Ferguson Community School
9529 – 89th Street

FAQ

Why do you want to be a school trustee, and what experience do you bring to the role?

Our community has been through so much over the last 19 months; we need a trustee who believes every child should have the best education possible available to them; no matter the circumstance. Diversity, inclusion and most importantly, do the schools in our community have access to all the tools and resources our students require to succeed.

Having graduated from NAIT, with honours in the Business Administration program, I understand the value of education. Also, having worked as a licensed mortgage broker and condominium property manager for the past 16 years, I possess in-depth working knowledge and experience with budgeting, corporate governance, and more. Communication, dependability and loyalty are my core competencies. Moreover, I can devote time and energy to help our families in our community learn, grow, and support our kids to the benefit of all beneficiaries. I am passionate about education and building stronger communities.

One of the primary roles of a school board is advocating for public education and the Division. How do you see yourself fulfilling this responsibility?

I am empowered to act and speak out for public education. I am looking forward to attending special events, school boards, join open forums at schools in our community. I am open to having conversations with parents and locals in the community, and I am excited to advocate for the best public education for our students and their families.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Elk Island Public Schools in the next four years, and what is your vision for addressing that issue?

This is an unprecedented time in education, both locally and provincially. With the state of education in Alberta, we are faced with opportunities and challenges as diverse as they are. First, our students need to catch up at a pace conducive to their abilities to learn; providing support for mental health and resources to ensure all children can and will succeed. Funding is justifiable and readily available for the different needs in each school. I am passionate about education and building stronger communities.

What kind of relationship should a school division and its Board have with its community, its parents and its families?

I believe the school division and its Board should empathize and welcome the relationship between its Board, the parents and the community they represent. It needs to be respectful, caring and foster a sense of belonging. There will be many opinions, views and concerns raised. The board has a responsibility to present facts, keep its community informed, and participate positively, wherever possible. It is important to participate in facilitation sessions to keep parents and their fellow board abreast of the issues and share the division's accolades and direction as needed. These relationships will grow stronger together over time.

What do you believe should be done to ensure diverse, equal, respectful and inclusive environments in schools?

Inclusivity means everyone, zero tolerance for racism, bullying, having clearly defined policies and procedures in place. Having equitable access to resources can offer students who require more challenging work a chance to challenge their critical thinking, while also providing students who need more time or tutoring sessions. Make it equal for students who require it on both spectrums.

What do you view as the role of schools in ensuring all Canadian students understand and value history in terms of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples?

Canada has many distinct histories surrounding the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions and strengths of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. The role of schools is to ensure all students understand the value of cultural appreciation and diversity and inclusion in age-appropriate deliveries.

What are the most important educational issues or challenges you see facing public education? How do you feel they will impact Elk Island Public Schools? How do you plan on addressing them?

The most critical issue for me is the rushed and profoundly flawed Curriculum! As a mother with small children just beginning their education, I was motivated to reach out to fellow parents, teachers, and our local trustee. Foreseeably, there will be a ripple effect of lifelong problems for EIPS students without the necessary interventions. Especially after doing some research and reading Janice Aubrey's "Professional Review of Alberta Education 2021. Draft K-6 Curriculum". As an astute expert in education, Aubrey clearly states the significant concerns and fundamentally flawed, outdated and irrelevant Curriculum.


  • Emphasizing the need to rewrite the area of study for Social Studies.
  • Further stating the lack of current cultural appreciation and acceptance, given the diversity of our children's classes,
  • Omittance of learning technology, to name a few.

What experience do you have which prepares you for the role of the trustee? What research have you done to ensure you understand the role and expectations?

Parenting has been my greatest gift and teacher. I am a mother who is deeply invested in my children's education. I am a businessperson who serves my community. I have many years of experience with public relations, communication, relationship building and have been fortunate also to have held several board roles. I first became introduced to the Trustee role when I reached out to my son's principal about other educational, participatory opportunities that he might know are available. I began researching early in 2020 - seeking out information from our local Trustees. As a result, I have a complete understanding of the commitment required. The expectations of the hours and days that a Trustee should be to committing over the next four years align with my flexible scheduling and time management abilities.

What do you believe the average time commitment to be? Do you have the time and ability to meet the demands of this position, including making yourself available for questions and conversations with parents and community members? How do you plan to balance this role with competing demands?

I expect the average time a week is 15 to 20 hours (Mon-Fri). However, I expect a few more, while the learning curve is high in the first few months. I have chosen to run as your local trustee because I have a flexible work schedule and a passion for public education. I committed to treating this position as my priority. I am extremely approachable and can make myself accessible with technology and my mobile phone to arrange a conversation, whether in person or over zoom. Time management is critical when balancing many hats.

What strengths do you feel you would bring to the Board of Trustees?

My strengths are my passion, parenting, openmindedness, ability to critically review facts to safeguard any contributions I will offer from unnecessary biases. Having graduated from NAIT with honours in the Business Administration program, I understand the value education provides. Also, having worked as a licensed mortgage broker and condominium property manager for the past 16 years, I possess in-depth working knowledge and experience with budgeting, corporate governance, and more. Communication, dependability and loyalty are my core competencies. Moreover, I can devote time and energy to help our families in our community learn, grow, and support our kids to the benefit of all beneficiaries. Finally, I am passionate about education and building stronger communities.

Sherwood Heights has been on top of the Elk Island Public Schools Capital Plan for the past several years. Would you advocate for this project? If yes, how? If not, what do you believe the highest capital priority to be? Absolutely,

Yes! With the growth, Fort Saskatchewan's communities are experiencing, the lack of infrastructure and the age of both Fort High and Rudolph Hennig is approaching. Sherwood Heights is a project I am keen to learn more about.

Wise owls SAy...

Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”—Confucius

Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”— Malcolm Forbes

The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.”—William S. Burroughs

City of Fort Saskatchewan Schools:

  • Castle (Scoford Colony) (1-9)
  • Ecole Parc Elementaire (K-6)
  • Fort Saskatchewan Christian (K-9)
  • Fort Saskatchewan Elementary (K-6)
  • Fort Saskatchewan High (10-12)
  • James Mowat Elementary (K-6)
  • Next Step Fort Saskatchewan (10-12)
  • Rudolph Hennig Junior High (7-9)
  • SouthPointe School (K-9)
  • Win Ferguson Elementary (K-6)

Vote Shotbolt!

Voting-Areas

Other Important Links:

Please click on the links below to find out more about my vision and other resources.

I will work hard to advocate for these major issues—budgets, infrastructure and getting the revisions into the curriculum expressed by our stakeholders. I look forward to attending special events at schools around the district, in the community at large, and advocating for the best public education for our students and their families. So whether you have questions, concerns, invitations, I look forward to hearing from you. vote@shotbolt.ca.

Jacqueline Shotbolt

EIPS Trustee Candidate 2021

Jacqueline-Head-Shot1

Get In Touch:

  • Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ward 2
  • vote@shotbolt.ca
  • 587-341-4777