2025 Board of Trustee Elections

I have three children enrolled in GHSD schools, who will be in Elementary, Jr. High, and High School through the course of this term, and I hope to bring that unique parenting perspective to the board. It is critical that the board not only provide a positive school experience for families, but also to ensure that the needs of educational staff are met, within the power of the board, to enable a best in class learning environment for the next generation.

I come from an employee advocacy background I have sat on the board of a national union local, and am currently employed as a union representative. While the school board does not have the capacity to bargain employment contracts, they do have the capacity to influence working conditions through impact on capital plans, approval of field trip planning and more.

With increased pressures on teachers and classrooms becoming ever more complex, I believe it critical that the school board contain voices that understand the needs of current parents, students and employees. I believe that as a parent, and a long term employee advocate in professional settings, I can bring valuable insight for all three to the table.

For questions or further information, please contact: steve.durrell@gmail.com

A Proven Advocate for Our Students and Community
As a long-time resident of Strathmore and a dedicated member of the Golden Hills community for 22 years, I am honored to be running for a third term as Trustee for Ward #4. My husband and I chose to build our lives here, raise our three children, and we have deep roots in this community. I am proud to still have one child attending Strathmore High School, which I am lucky to call this area home.

As your trustee, I am dedicated to a student-focused approach that is fiscally responsible, grounded in strong policy, and committed to transparency.

My core belief is that every student deserves the resources to succeed. This means making prudent financial decisions that maximize the impact of every dollar spent in the classroom. It also means we must advocate relentlessly to the government for equitable funding for our school division.

Our work as trustees must be guided by clear, well-researched policies that serve the best interests of our students and staff. I will also continue to ensure our decisions are made with transparency, providing open and honest communication with parents, families, and the wider community. By working together, we can continue a strong, accountable, and thriving school division for all.

I am proud to be a part of a diverse group of trustees who maintain a collaborative and student-focused approach to our work. Together, we can ensure every decision we make benefits our students and strengthens our entire school community.

My Experience and Commitment
I have served as a Trustee for Golden Hills School Division for two terms, and I have advocated for educational excellence and community engagement. Over the past eight years, I have been privileged to serve in key roles, including:

• Vice Chair, Golden Hills School Division Board
• Zone Chair and Vice Chair, Alberta School Boards Association (Zone 5)
• Alternate Director, Zone 5
• Member, Policy Committee
• Member, Audit Committee

Prior to my role as Trustee, I was actively involved in parent council groups for over a decade. In my professional life, I work as an HR Business Partner in Strathmore, where I thrive on building meaningful connections and fostering collaboration. I hold a Human Resources Management certification from Simon Fraser University and a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Lethbridge.

Qualities I Bring to the Role
My core values as a trustee are collaboration, authenticity, and curiosity. Our board is a diverse group with a breadth of experience, but we are united by our commitment to serving our community and ensuring students and families have the opportunity to choose an education that best serves their individual needs.

I am a champion for the student choice and believe every student should have the chance to thrive where they choose. I understand that maintaining our high standard of educational excellence requires persistent advocacy at the provincial level. Regardless of the political landscape, my role is to work tirelessly to ensure our unique needs as a rural population are met with equitable funding and support. I am eager to continue this important work for our students and families and I encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have at Jennifer.mertz@ghsd75.ca.

Strathmore has been home to my wife and I for over 30 years. We moved to Strathmore because both of us were more comfortable in a smaller community as we were both raised on farms. Golden Hills School Division provided our kids with an outstanding quality of education, and I want to make sure that it continues to do so for our grand kids and all the kids of Strathmore. I was a teacher in the system for 37 years, so I understand how important it is to ensure that teachers have proper support in their classrooms. As a parent, I understand how important good communication is with my child’s teachers and how schools play a vital role in my child’s development. I don’t just support public education, as public education is something I believe in. It is fundamental in ensuring that all kids have the same opportunity to explore and attain their dreams.

I have always been active in the community and have volunteered with Communities in Bloom, Western District Historical Society, Wheatland Foodbank, Town of Strathmore Committees, and at the Lions’ booth during the Strathmore Stampede just to mention a few. Active citizenship is one of my core values and as a trustee it helps connect me to the concerns & issues of parents in the community. As a trustee, advocating for public education in my community is one of my key roles. Being active in the community ensures that I hear the voices of parents, teachers and residents of Strathmore.

I have a passion for public education, and I believe Golden Hills School Division represents what excellence in education looks like. As a trustee, representing all the residents of Strathmore, I will work very hard to ensure their voices are heard at Board table. I hope that I will be entrusted to continue to pursue my passion.