In thanking her fellow trustees for their support, Starosielski addressed some of the challenges the board had faced even before the COVID-19 pandemic was on the radar.
“This past year has especially been extremely challenging for not only myself, but our entire board. Last September, we had five lockdowns in one month, then we had sweeping Education Act changes. We had a byelection. We had the Ashmont threat that was followed by some extremely emotional community meetings, that kind of furthered our path along the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation). We had ASBIE (Alberta School Boards Insurance Exchange) insurance increase of 274 per cent in our premiums. This board was dealt with a very heavy load on what to do next. We had to direct our administration to look at shortfalls of $1.8 million in every level of this division.”
And then came COVID-19.
“We had a shutdown of our entire education system with less than 24 hours’ notice and yet we rebounded to give education to all of our students in less than a week. I challenge any other division that did that in this province.”
The layoff of close to 100 FTE staff in the spring due to a 14 per cent reduction in provincial funding was “challenging to say the least,” Starosielski said.
She expressed her thanks to administration for its work and support as the school district navigated the pandemic, describing the division’s response as phenomenal.
Looking forward to a new school year set to begin Sept. 8, Starosielski said she recognizes there are challenges ahead.
“I know this year is going to be even more difficult. I spent a good part of my summer here already, helping out and assisting wherever I can, even though it has been a personally difficult year. Thank you to my fellow trustees for being here and for being a team.”
Trustee Justin Anderson was returned to the role of vice chair after two tie votes between himself and fellow nominee Dwight Wiebe was settled with a draw from a hat, or in this case a box, with the draw being made by Superintendent Glen Brodziak.
