Kelly Dick

I have proudly called Sherwood Park home for over 45 years, where my family has built strong and lasting roots. As a stay-at-home mom, I actively volunteered at Woodbridge Farms Elementary, grew my own business, coached youth sports, and supported my children’s gymnastics and hockey journeys.

My leadership includes board service with Capital City Gymnastics, Salto Gymnastics, and Sherwood Park Softball, as well as team management with the Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club Midget AA Oilers. As Senior Operations Manager at Salto Gymnastics for five years, I expanded programs, diversified revenue streams, and built one of the most respected coaching teams in Alberta. I also contributed to strategic initiatives with the Alberta Gymnastics Federation, and I bring additional experience in retail management and real estate.

My lifelong community involvement reflects my dedication to supporting families, children, and educators in Strathcona County. I lead with vision and serve with heart.

Statement of beliefs

I believe public education is the foundation of a strong, resilient Alberta, built on teamwork, trust, and shared responsibility. As a trustee candidate, I’m committed to collaborating with teachers, families, communities, the province, and industry partners. Students deserve more than siloed decisions—they deserve a united front prioritizing learning and well-being.

Alberta’s unique funding model—no provincial sales tax or equalization transfers—presents challenges but also ensures more money stays with families. We must protect this while advocating for sustainable school investment.

With the fastest-growing child population in Canada, rapid growth pressures classrooms, facilities, and staff—but signals a vibrant future. We must meet this with innovation and unity.

I believe in setting aside differences for student success; valuing educators’ expertise; engaging communities and industry for real-world learning; and advocating fair funding that matches Alberta’s growth.

Together, we can build a bold, collaborative, and future-focused education system.

Priority areas

  1. 1. Promote Growth and Success for All Students
    Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

  2. 2. Enhance High-Quality Learning and Working Environments
    Essential for both students and staff.

  3. 3. Strengthen Public Education Through Effective Engagement
    Trust & transparency are foundational.

Views on funding

As a candidate for Elk Island Public Schools Trustee, I believe education funding in Alberta must be adequate and strategic. Our schools face rising enrolment, classroom complexity, mental health needs, inflation, and aging infrastructure—yet funding hasn’t kept pace. School boards play a vital role by governing responsibly within provincial frameworks and funding levels—approving budgets, setting policy, and advocating for communities. We stretch every dollar, but without flexible, responsive funding, meeting local needs is limited. I support a needs-responsive funding model that reflects our students and communities. Whether smaller class sizes, targeted supports, or infrastructure investments, funding must follow the needs. This isn’t just about more money; it’s about smart funding that solves problems rather than managing symptoms. As trustee, I will advocate fiercely for smarter, equitable funding and autonomy for school boards to prioritize students, families, and educators.

How learning conditions can be improved

Improving learning conditions in schools requires a holistic approach that recognizes the distinct needs of students, supports educators, and fosters environments where every learner can thrive.
1. We must ensure adequate and fair funding. Learning conditions are directly impacted by class complexities, health and wellness of the students, access to specialized supports, and the quality of facilities.
2. We need to invest in teacher development and retention. Ongoing professional learning, mentorship, and wellness supports help educators stay inspired and effective.
3. We must prioritize broad and responsive learning environments. That means ensuring every student feels safe and supported.
4. We must strengthen community and family engagement. When families and communities are meaningfully involved, students are more likely to succeed.
As trustee, I will advocate for policies and practices that elevate learning conditions, empowering students to reach their full potential.

How trustees and school boards can best support teachers

Supporting teachers isn’t just about policy—it’s about trust, respect, and partnership.
I believe the most effective way school boards can support teachers is by listening first. Meaningful consultation with educators ensures that decisions reflect the realities of the classroom. When teachers are involved in shaping initiatives, they become empowered ambassadors of change.
We also need to ensure teachers have the resources and time to do their jobs well. That means advocating for manageable class sizes, access to mental health supports, and professional development that’s relevant and responsive.
As trustee, I will champion collaborative decision-making and transparent communication, with teacher voices at the table from the start. I will advocate for working conditions that support teacher wellness, retention, and excellence.
Teachers are the backbone of our education system. Supporting them isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

Views on the new K-6 curriculum

The new K–6 curriculum began rolling out in 2022 but remains in transition. Social Studies is set for rollout this fall. Teachers continue adapting to new content, so the curriculum is still “new” in scope and impact. I believe curriculum must be developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, and collaboratively built. It should reflect the community and prepare students for academic and life success in a changing world. Educators and families have raised concerns about implementation pace, teacher involvement, and classroom supports—concerns that deserve action. If elected, I will advocate for transparent, comprehensive curriculum development with teacher and community input; professional learning and resources to support educators; and ongoing review to ensure the curriculum evolves with student needs. Curriculum is the foundation of learning—but it must be built collaboratively, thoughtfully, and with the future in mind.