Julie Kusiek is seeking re-election as the Ward F Edmonton Public School Board Trustee. She previously served as the Board Chair with Edmonton Public Schools, having been elected to the position from among her colleagues on the Board on October 10, 2023. Julie holds a Master of Arts where she studied youth civic engagement in local communities. As a parent of four children attending Edmonton Public Schools, an engaged community member, and a current Trustee, Julie believes public education is a fundamental human right for every child and emphasizes collaboration is essential to ensure student success in public education. She is an experienced leader dedicated to student success, effective governance, and fostering connections with various stakeholders. She has volunteered her time leading her community league board, advocacy to keep Scona Pool open and for the city to build smaller scale rec centres accessible to young and old alike who may not be able to travel longer distances easily, the Edmonton Sport Council, and local initiatives such as Thrive YEG (advocacy for public services in the city budget) and QA Crossroads (building more walkable, bike-able liveable communities). Her award-winning advocacy has been featured in several published books, podcasts and media interviews.
Statement of beliefs
See my website, www.juliekusiek.ca for a lot of information on this. Also, see the Real Talk Ryan Jespersen interview from October 16 for more. A short reel is here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP4pox5Ej3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWc5OHNmdmN2azN3aA==
Priority areas
Strong Public Education System – see more at www.juliekusiek.ca
Smart and Strategic Advocacy – see more at www.juliekusiek.ca
Solid Board Governance – see more at www.juliekusiek.ca
Views on funding
See “Smart and Strategic Advocacy” on my website. Bottom line is, public funds for public education. We are also underfunded.
How learning conditions can be improved
Well, more funding would sure help. While we continue to advocate for that, please see a record of some of my work in this area and ways we can move forward at www.juliekusiek.ca
How trustees and school boards can best support teachers
Great PL, advocacy for funding, respecting their professional judgement, and listening when we have the opportunity to visit schools.
Views on the new K-6 curriculum
Too much change, too fast and more consultation with teachers is needed. Advocacy around this was the first motion I brought forward as Trustee during my first term. See www.juliekusiek.ca where I explain more of this.