School Trustee Elections

Candidate Video
Watch Kevin Kinahan's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/T-bQ7TKV6jg?si=r-jXv5FRLIX7gJ2T

Candidate Q&A
Q. Why are you running for school board trustee, and what unique perspective do you bring?
A. I have 35 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Catholic School Division. My three children also attended St. Joseph School and then CCH. I also sit on Parish Council at St. Ambrose and am currently the Grand Knight for our local Knights of Columbus. During my time in the Catholic Division I have sat on many committees including Religious Education, Inclusive Education, Budget, Teacher/Board Advisory as well as ATA committees such as Political Engagement, Teacher Welfare and Bargaining. I have also sat on joint ATA / Division committees. My unique perspective is that I have worked hard for students, teachers, parents, the Parish and the Catholic Divsion for the betterment of Catholic Education for 35 years and I understand well how each piece best works together.

Q. What would you do to make sure every student has fair access to opportunities and resources?
A. As a teacher and administrator I have always found ways to ensure that every student had access to any program they wanted to participate in. We always found ways to cover costs whether through other funding sources or through a 'hardship' fund. I truly believe that education of any kind should be accessible to every student. At the Board level, we need to make sure that all schools have the ability to offer programs to every single student.

Q. How would you handle tough budget choices to make sure schools get what they need most?
A. Making tough budget choices will definitely be a part of the job but there are so many "what if's" that it becomes hard to answer this question. I feel that it is important when making decisions that we always keep in mind the difference between urban and rural schools and keep in mind that equal and equitable are very different things. Rural schools will always have smaller numbers but many of the needs and issues are the same including teachers teaching multi level classrooms out of necessity. I will be a voice for rural education.

Q. How will you make sure parents, staff, and students have a voice in board decisions?
A. Throughout my teaching and administrative career I have valued relationships more than anything. Once you have a good relationship with students or staff they will open up and be honest with you in a safe environment. I will approach my duties as a Board member in the same fashion. I will be in the schools that I will represent by helping with any special activities as well as random visits. Coaldale is a small community and I already know many of the parents that I will represent. Attending School Council meetings and listening with an open mind and representing their voices to the Board will be a priority for me. I will be open and accessible to all parents, students and staff.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our schools in the next four years?
A. Funding and making sure that everyone understands the importance of Catholic Education. The current government is underfunding public education and is moving more money into charter schools and private schools. I have no issue with charter or private schools but the government should not be diverting money meant for public education. Class size and complexity is a major issue in all of Alberta and teachers should not be fighting this fight alone. School boards, along with the help of parents, need to advocate for more classrooms (schools), more teachers, more EA's, and more help. We also need to ensure that everyone knows that Catholic Education is the absolute best education system in the province.

Q. How do you see the role of faith in the everyday life of Catholic schools, and how will you support religious education and spiritual development?
A. Our faith is the reason that Catholic Schools exist. By teaching our students how to have a personal relationship with God, we are teaching them to become better people and citizens. I have always felt that my role as principal in a school also meant that I must be the faith leader in every school I worked in. By leading prayer, participating in many ministries at mass as well as helping with Sacramental Preparation in the schools, I have always been an example to others in living our faith. Taking any and every opportunity to live our faith in our schools shows how we are permeating it into every aspect of our lives. I will continue to do this as a Board member by supporting our Director of Religious Education and ensuring that the Division's Fatih Plan is put into practice at the Board level.

Q. How will you collaborate with local parishes, clergy, and the diocese to strengthen the connection between school, home, and Church?
A. I am currently on the Parish Council at St. Ambrose Parish as well as the Grand Knight in our local Knights of Columbus. With both of these positions I have regular contact and meetings with our new parish priest, Fr. Iqbal. We have already had discussions about how to best support St. Joseph School and the students when it comes to youth activities both in the school and at the parish. My wife, Christine, and I are also taking on the duties of recruiting and preparing altar servers for the parish. This is one more connection between home, school and parish and a way to involve young people in the parish. At the Diocesan level, I would love to have the opportunity to have our Bishop visit some of our rural schools to see the amazing things happening in our small towns.

Q. What role do you see trustees playing in advocating for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. This is a major role of Catholic School Trustees. We have the ability to meet and sit down with MLA's, Ministers and hopefully even the Premier to show examples of how amazing Catholic Education is in Alberta. Even though we have a constitutional right to exist, we must always continue to advocate for Catholic Education and Public Education in general. I truly believe that Catholic Education is what is needed most in our province and it must be supported properly to continue to shine.

Q. What specific action(s) have you taken in the past to show your support for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. Through my education career I have had the opportunity to sit on many committees, mostly through the ATA. One of my positions was as Political Engagement Officer in which my duties were to keep members appraised of political activities but also to meet with sitting members of the government. I have personally met with MLA's Nathan Neudorf and Grant Hunter and discussed both education funding as well as Catholic Education and the importance of both. I have also sat on a provincial committee for ACSTA for four years in which I was a part of the planning team for 'BluePrints' which is an annual retreat for Catholic Administrators and Trustees. This retreat brings together Administrators and Trustees from across the province to not only strengthen people's personal spiritual development, but to highlight the amazing things happening in Catholic Education and the amazing people working within it.

Q. What is your view of the purpose of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. Very simply, Catholic Education teaches the whole student. Where public schools do a good job academically, socially, emotionally and physically, they leave out an important aspect - spiritually. Public schools teach a little bit ABOUT religion which is teaching to the head. But in Catholic Education we teach to the HEART. We teach about having a personal relationship with God and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Our doors are open to all students of all faiths and ultimately teach what it means to know God, through the Catholic perspective.

Q. What legacy or impact would you like to leave at the end of your term?
A. I would not give a second thought to what my personal legacy is at the end of my term or terms but rather I would hope that the Holy Spirit Division and Catholic Education as a whole are stronger in the future. For 35 years I have learned how to work with many different groups collaboratively and have also spoken up when needed to. I will always work for the betterment of all Holy Spirit Schools, the Division and for Catholic Education as a whole.

Candidate Video
Watch Tricia Doherty's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/kAyU-a8hau8?si=_YvSqL_m2UO4HOgT

Candidate Q&A
Q. Why are you running for school board trustee, and what unique perspective do you bring?
A. I am running for a second term as trustee with Holy Spirit because I care deeply about public education, and the value of publicly funded Catholic education. I believe that education is the foundation and future of any good society. As a parent with two kids in the division, I know first hand what most families want for their kids, and that perspective keeps me grounded in every decision I make as a Trustee. As an incumbent I feel like I bring the experience of already serving as a trustee as well as the daily experience of being a parent.

Q. What would you do to make sure every student has fair access to opportunities and resources?
A. For me, making sure students have fair access to opportunities and resources comes in different formats for every student. We have to make sure to meet students where they are at, and that does not look the same for every student or school community. As a trustee I believe one of the best ways to have an impact on what that may look like is by setting the board priorities. This sets the direction for the division and helps to direct the work of the Superintendent. It is also vitally important to advocate for fair provincial funding to help divisions meet the needs of today's learners. Just as important is taking the time to listen to students, staff and parents to understand where gaps may exist and how to better address them going forward. I believe in making fair access to opportunities and supports for all students so they have the opportunity to discover their strengths.

Q. How would you handle tough budget choices to make sure schools get what they need most?
A. I think when it comes to tough budget choices, first you have to understand all the information, and always keep in mind the implications of these tough decisions on those whom it impacts the most, the students. I would seek to understand the reasons for the tough budget choice, by first listening to our superintendent and their team to receive the relevant information required. I also believe public consultations are important to understand different perspectives of our stakeholders and receive feedback to better inform the decisions of the board. This process would help to keep decisions transparent and fair. I also believe that it is our role as trustees to advocate to the province for fair and adequate funding so that we are not left making decisions that could have lasting impacts on student success.

Q. How will you make sure parents, staff, and students have a voice in board decisions?
A. The best way I have learned to make sure parents, staff and students have a voice in board decisions is by being present and accessible. I attend school council meetings, school celebrations, concerts and other events which allows me to listen directly to the perspectives of our community. I will continue to strengthen these connections and bring those voices forward to the board so decisions will reflect the realities in our schools. Going forward, I also want to explore additional ways for people to share their input such as through school councils, consultations, feedback, and open conversations, so that decisions are informed by the experiences of the people who it impacts the most.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our schools in the next four years?
A. Over the next four years I believe there are multiple challenges facing our public education system. First I believe is sustainable and adequate funding. The costs to run our schools continues to rise, but resources are limited which creates challenges to meet the needs of all students and school communities. Second, mental health challenges continue to remain a major issue amongst our students and staff. We need to find ways to continue to support mental health initiatives and make all students and staff in our schools feel safe and supported. Third is the need to keep the Catholic Identity of our schools. There are always challenges facing the right to publicly funded Catholic education, but we need to keep our faith at the centre of education while continuing to meet the needs of a diverse and ever changing student population. These challenges also present opportunities for the board to advocate, to listen and to always be sure that everything we are doing is in the best interest of students and putting them first.

Q. How do you see the role of faith in the everyday life of Catholic schools, and how will you support religious education and spiritual development?
A. I see faith as the foundation of everything we are as Catholic schools. As Catholic schools, faith is permeated throughout every class, every decision and in the everyday actions of our staff and students. It is what sets us apart. I would support religious education and spiritual development by first setting it as a board priority to show right from the top down the importance of faith in our schools. I would also want to ensure that there are resources available to provide strong religious education. Supporting staff and students in their faith journeys is also important. Encourage them to share their gifts and to help them to understand how their faith calls them to live in the world with hope and love. As leaders, I believe it is also important to set an example by demonstrating our faith in our own everyday lives.

Q. How will you collaborate with local parishes, clergy, and the diocese to strengthen the connection between school, home, and Church?
A. In order for Catholic education to thrive, there must be a strong connection between the home, schools and parishes. As a trustee I believe in fostering those connections by building strong relationships with local clergy, the diocese and the parish community. What this means to me is regular communication with clergy, supporting the presence of clergy in our schools, and supporting opportunities for students to actively participate in parish life. I attend mass as a trustee with our schools to show an emphasis on the importance of this role as a bridge between the schools and parishes.

Q. What role do you see trustees playing in advocating for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. Trustees play a vital role in advocating for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta. We are called to protect and promote the constitutional right for families to be able to choose faith based education for their children. It is also important to tell our stories, to show the "why" of Catholic education. To be able to show that the students in our care are not just academically strong but that they are also grounded in faith, compassion and service. We are growing the whole student academically and spiritually. As trustees we must remain vigilant to continue to be witnesses and strong voices for our Catholic schools.

Q. What specific action(s) have you taken in the past to show your support for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. As both a parent and a trustee, I have been a strong advocate for publicly funded Catholic education because I have seen firsthand the value it provides to families. During my 4 years on the board I served on our local GrACE committee, where I worked with our team to share our division’s stories and highlight the unique value of our Catholic schools. I also attended provincial GrACE summits, this allowed me to hear other divisions stories and bring ideas back to strengthen advocacy in our own community. I read messages at our local parishes to promote Catholic education Sunday/week, and supported school-level faith activities, from masses and liturgies to celebrations that showcased our Catholic identity.

Q. What is your view of the purpose of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. In my opinion the purpose of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta is to give the opportunity, to those who wish to access it, a Fatih based education. To provide academic excellence rooted in gospel values. Having access to publicly funded Catholic education allows any family a faith based education, not just to those who can afford to pay for a private alternative. This is important because Catholic schools allow for the formation of the whole child, mind, body and spirit. They create graduates who are not only prepared academically but are also compassionate and guided by a commitment to serving others.

Q. What legacy or impact would you like to leave at the end of your term?
A. At the end of my term, I hope my legacy will be that above all else I put students first, that I listened to the voices of parents, staff and students and let their perspectives guide every decision I made. I hope to be remembered as someone who advocated strongly and unapologetically for the importance of public education and our right to publicly funded Catholic education, serving always with integrity, compassion and faith.

Candidate Video
Watch Roisin Gibb's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/kAyU-a8hau8?si=_YvSqL_m2UO4HOgT

Candidate Q&A
Q. Why are you running for school board trustee, and what unique perspective do you bring?
A. I’m running again for Trustee because I care deeply about our schools. I’m not only a parent of children currently in the division, but also a proud alumni. I’ve walked the same hallways, learned from the same classrooms, and now want to help shape a strong future for the next generation. I understand the impact our schools have, because they helped shape who I am today. Having already served four successful years on the Board, I bring experience, accountability, and a deep personal connection to the community. In my “day job” as a physiotherapist with Alberta Health Services, I gain firsthand insight into working within a government-funded public sector organization. This perspective helps me understand the challenges and opportunities in delivering quality services with limited resources; knowledge I bring to my role as Trustee to advocate effectively for our schools.

Q. What would you do to make sure every student has fair access to opportunities and resources?
A. Every student learns differently, and fair access means meeting those diverse needs. I support funding that ensures all students, whether they need extra support, enrichment, or alternative learning paths, have access to the right resources. I also believe school staff should have the flexibility to make decisions that fit their students. When educators are trusted to lead in their own schools, they can respond quickly and effectively to real needs. With strong, targeted funding and local decision-making, we can give every student a fair chance to succeed.

Q. How would you handle tough budget choices to make sure schools get what they need most?
A. Tough budget decisions require transparency, community input, and strong advocacy. I believe in engaging directly with school communities, including staff, students, parents and guardians, to understand where the real needs are and how funding can best support students. I also know that school boards can't do it alone. I will continue to advocate to both the provincial and federal governments to ensure our division receives the funding it needs to deliver quality education. By listening to those on the ground and pushing for fair support from higher levels, we can make thoughtful, informed choices that keep student needs at the center.

Q. How will you make sure parents, staff, and students have a voice in board decisions?
A. Having already served a full term, I’m proud of the work we did to strengthen engagement across our school division. We introduced and improved practices to ensure parents, staff, and students had a real voice in key decisions—whether it was around budgeting, leadership hires, school boundaries, or planning for the future. We moved beyond just informing people, we actively collaborated with our communities, and that made our decisions stronger and more trusted. Stakeholder engagement became a core part of how we governed, not just a step in the process. If re-elected, I’ll continue to build on this approach—because when we listen, collaborate, and make space for real input, we create better outcomes for everyone.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our schools in the next four years?
A. Over the next four years, our schools will continue to face major challenges. Growing enrollment is putting pressure on space, staffing, and resources—leading to larger class sizes and stretched supports. At the same time, we’re seeing an increase in diverse learning needs that require flexible programs and specialized support. To meet these challenges, strong government relations will be critical. We need sustained, adequate funding from both provincial and federal levels to ensure our schools can grow with our communities and continue to meet students where they’re at. Our focus must remain on advocating for the resources our schools need while continuing to support staff and create environments where every student can succeed.

Q. How do you see the role of faith in the everyday life of Catholic schools, and how will you support religious education and spiritual development?
A. Faith is at the heart of Catholic education; it should be infused into all aspects of learning, not just religion class. Our schools are called to reflect Catholic values in how we teach, how we lead, and how we support one another. I fully support the implementation of the Bishop’s Assurance Plan, which will help ensure we maintain and measure the Catholic identity of our schools in a meaningful way. In addition, I believe staff formation is essential. When our staff are supported in their own faith development, they are better equipped to live and teach the values that define Catholic education. As trustee, I will continue to prioritize Catholicity in our classrooms, our culture, and our leadership—ensuring that our schools remain rooted in faith while serving the needs of all students.

Q. How will you collaborate with local parishes, clergy, and the diocese to strengthen the connection between school, home, and Church?
A. Collaboration with local parishes, clergy, and the diocese is essential to nurturing a strong Catholic community that supports our students and families in both faith and learning. During my first term as Trustee, I prioritized building strong relationships with Church leaders to ensure that our schools remained deeply rooted in Catholic identity.
One key initiative that demonstrated this collaboration was the inaugural "Day with Leadership," held in February 2025, featuring Bishop McGrattan as our special guest. This event brought together Trustees, Senior Administration, Principals, and division Priests and Deacons. It provided a unique opportunity for school and Church leadership to engage directly with the Bishop and to highlight the incredible work taking place in each of our schools. It was a powerful example of how open dialogue and shared mission can strengthen the bonds between school, home, and Church.
Looking ahead, I will continue to support and advocate for parish-school partnerships, sacramental preparation programs, and initiatives that encourage active participation in parish life. This includes fostering vocations, promoting student and staff involvement in faith-based service, and ensuring that our schools offer a consistent and vibrant Catholic experience that extends into the home and parish community. By working closely with our clergy, parish leaders, and diocesan partners, we can continue to build a unified and faith-filled educational environment, one where Catholic values are not only taught, but lived every day.

Q. What role do you see trustees playing in advocating for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. As a product of the Catholic education system myself, I bring a unique perspective to advocacy. Trustees are key voices for publicly funded Catholic education, representing our community’s values and needs to government. Through the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) and groups like GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education), trustees work together to strengthen our collective voice. By engaging with these organizations and directly with the government, trustees help ensure the funding and support necessary for Catholic schools to thrive.

Q. What specific action(s) have you taken in the past to show your support for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. During my previous term as Trustee, I focused heavily on building strong relationships to actively support and advocate for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta. One of my key roles was serving as Chair for Zone 6 of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). This leadership position significantly enhanced our Board’s influence and opened doors within key advocacy networks across the province. Through my involvement with both ASBA and the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA), I’ve built meaningful, ongoing connections, now engaging regularly with leadership on a first-name basis. These relationships have enabled me to be a strong, consistent voice for our division and the values we uphold.
In addition, I’ve worked with our Board to further develop a collaborative and respectful relationship with Bishop McGrattan. Over the past year, this partnership has grown substantially, and I believe it will continue to bring long-term benefits to our students, staff, and families.
Beyond the Boardroom, I’ve proudly represented Holy Spirit Catholic Schools on two missions to Edmonton with Team Lethbridge, working alongside community leaders to advocate for the needs of our division and city. I’ve also served for four years on the Joint City/School Division Committee, where I’ve built strong relationships with local government and community stakeholders. These connections are vital for maintaining the trust, support, and unity required to sustain and grow Catholic education in Alberta.

Q. What is your view of the purpose of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. Publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta exists to provide not only excellent academic learning but also to nurture the whole person—spiritually, morally, and intellectually. As a product of this system myself, I know firsthand how Catholic education shapes students into compassionate, ethical individuals who are prepared to be leaders in their communities and the wider world.
Our schools are rooted in faith, guided by Catholic values, and supported through strong relationships with families, parishes, and the wider Church. Ultimately, the purpose is to form students who are not only knowledgeable but who live their faith through kindness, service, and leadership, ready to contribute positively to society as good humans and future leaders.

Q. What legacy or impact would you like to leave at the end of your term?
A. As a proud alumn of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, I’ve seen how a faith-based education shapes not just minds, but hearts. I’m deeply committed to ensuring every student feels supported, valued, and inspired to grow into the person God created them to be.
During my first term, we celebrated major milestones, such as the announcement of a new west-side elementary school and securing pre-planning funding for St. Francis Jr. High. These were big steps forward, and I remain committed to seeing them through to completion.
Looking ahead, strong long-term capital planning is essential, but my hope for the future goes beyond infrastructure. I want my legacy to reflect a deep and lasting investment in our students and school communities. I want students, staff, and families to feel confident that we’ve done good, meaningful work. Work that made their experiences better and left our division stronger. If we can build a foundation where students grow in faith, reach their full potential, and become compassionate, capable leaders, then I will know we’ve made a lasting impact together.

Candidate Video
Watch Bob Spitzig's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/-6kLEO6-btg?si=SP0pgaWsUh8J24Un

Candidate Q&A
Q. Why are you running for school board trustee, and what unique perspective do you bring?
A. I am committed to ensuring that students of our district receive the best education we can provide. This means classrooms that are not overcrowded, where teachers and students have the resources they need. I want to ensure the continuing connection between home, school and our parishes.

Q. What would you do to make sure every student has fair access to opportunities and resources?
A. Our school board needs to maintain a high level of lobbying our provincial government for adequate funding for our schools. All stakeholders in our district need to pray that the government will hear and provide what is needed for our schools.

Q. How would you handle tough budget choices to make sure schools get what they need most?
A. Our district needs to continue ongoing assessments to ensure that duplication of programs and other issues are managed to maximize the funding we receive from the provincial government. We need to continue to lobby the government to provide adequate funding that meets the varied needs in our schools.

Q. How will you make sure parents, staff, and students have a voice in board decisions?
A. Part of my job as a trustee is to be available to parents, students and staff, to listen to their ideas and concerns. This means visiting schools regularly, attending School Council meetings and other school functions, and being open to really hearing what is said. Then those ideas and concerns must be brought to the appropriate leaders in our district so they can receive real action.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our schools in the next four years?
A. Our biggest challenges in the next four years are going to center around adequate staffing in our schools, realistic class sizes, and the lack of resources needed for our students and staff. We will also need to keep strengthening the relationship between home, school and church.

Q. How do you see the role of faith in the everyday life of Catholic schools, and how will you support religious education and spiritual development?
A. I believe that our faith has to be at the center of all that we are and do as a Catholic school district. We need to encourage all staff of the district to continue their faith development and to share our faith with their students and parents, and with the wider community.

Q. How will you collaborate with local parishes, clergy, and the diocese to strengthen the connection between school, home, and Church?
A. As a Catholic school district, it is vital that we meet regularly with the clergy of our local parishes to share ideas and concerns. The schools need to ensure that our clergy are invited and welcomed into the schools. We also need to meet with our Bishop and share with him what is happening in our schools.

Q. What role do you see trustees playing in advocating for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. Advocating for publicly funded Catholic education is the responsibility of each and every Catholic in our district. Trustees can support this advocacy by ensuring all Catholics are aware of what is happening in Catholic education by encouraging participation in groups like GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education), speaking with parishioners on occasions like Catholic Education Sunday, and publicly supporting our right to publicly funded Catholic education in our province.

Q. What specific action(s) have you taken in the past to show your support for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. 1. I have encouraged and supported our district's continuing support and involvement with GrACE.
2. I am continually involved in lobbying the provincial government to maintain a publicly funded Catholic education system and reminding them of it's importance.
3. I support and encourage our Catholic schools to keep the public aware of the amazing activities that take place in our schools.

Q. What is your view of the purpose of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta?
A. The purpose of publicly funded Catholic education is to provide a safe and caring education choice where students and staff can meet Christ in everyday life, and continue to learn and grow in their faith.

Q. What legacy or impact would you like to leave at the end of your term?
A. My legacy would be to have a strong, publicly funded Catholic education system with room and resources to meet the varied needs of all of our students and staff. As well, I would like to see all of our students and staff growing in their faith and coming closer to God.

Candidate Video
Watch Linda Ellefson's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/VebYbBULvPc?si=7rgBj855SAxmdqWK

Candidate Video
Watch Carmen Mombourquette's candidate video, courtesy of City of Lethbridge: https://youtu.be/2VuftexSL_c?si=Yke5qpuwW5PV7X-v