Public school systems offer the best alternative for future success by our students .

By asking for your vote and seeking re-election I believe that I can offer real classroom experience, ability, dedication, a champion of public education and a commitment to the worth of every child.

My experience as a trustee with the Red Deer Public School system is that a quality environment is presented to our clients. Our clients or students are served by a highly motivated group of educators, support and custodial staff. A culture has been developed over the years that this is the correct way to have students excell. I am proud to have added my small part to this system. People are the difference and we have some of the best.

I have been part of the smaller class initiative, cutting and reducing of some student fees, making safer schools with video technology, and providing a setting that says thank you to students and staff for that special effort.

Quality of education for every student has to be our first priority. Grade school task is to provide stepping stones to further education. Success can be measured by the ability and the amount of students who continue in their chosen fields. That being said, it is part of our mandate to develop a caring and sharing Canadian citizen. An all round citizen makes the country and everyone around the student better.

Red Deer Public Schools must be considered a safe and caring place for our client, the student. This is achieved by the strong team that guides are educational system.

Public education is the best vehicle to achieve these goals. A country or community that develops equal opportunities for each and every student has a greater chance of success. Public education offers these opportunities by including programs and courses that tap the strength of every student.

Schools and public education must remain affordable to our students. Cost alone can not dictate what is an appropriate program. This ability to try must be guarded for our clientele.

However, school facilities should be open to the public. Less than 50% of the taxpayers have students in our buildings, yet all adult age cohorts share the cost. A school as a center of a community might strengthen our societies values in this fast paced world.

Together with my wife Jean, I have lived and worked in this community for over 30 years. I taught in a neighboring school division and presently operate a clothing business in Red Deer. Red Deer is important to me and I try to participate by being part of Sunnybrook United Church, Asociated Canadian Travellers, Red Deer Food Bank, S.P.C.A. and various charity commitees. My three children all graduated from Red Deer Public before going on to other careers. I have been a trustee on the Red Deer Public School Board for three years and believe that my experience and background has helped me make a valuable contribution.

Public schools are the future of our children and community. I hope to be able to continue developing the skills of this precious resourse. My phone and email are always open to any compliments or concerns you may have about the school district. I would sincerely appreciate your vote on October 18th.

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