Red Deer is very fortunate to have a high functioning and excellent school system. The success of this system has lead to substantial growth in student numbers. While this growth is a blessing and speaks volumes about the learning experience provided by the Catholic system, it does result in a need for new education infrastructure. The Division currently has a capital plan totalling over $100 million for new and expanded facilities for our students. In order to achieve this growth in capital facilities we will need the support of all levels of government as well as all of the families in the Division. Red Deer Catholic has been an excellent steward of taxpayer dollars in the past. They have participated in several partnerships that have resulted in very efficient creation of new teaching and learning space. This messsage of responsible spending, a record of excellent learning results, and a clear case for our need will have to be delivered to Alberta Education. The newly formed Catholic School Foundation will have a role in helping to facilitate growth as well. By filling in gaps in provincial funding with locally fundraised dollars we will be able to continue to provide some of the best education in the world. Innovation, hard work, and a focus on the division mission of "Inspired by Christ and aspiring to excellence." will help us meet any challenges in the future and successfully overcoming them.

Guy Pelletier, Candidate for Catholic School Trustee