Sandra Grills

My long term vision is a strong and thriving system, where every student is seen, has their needs meet, and is provided the opportunity to thrive. Where teachers have safe, healthy, and fulfilling working conditions – which means students have safe and healthy learning conditions. 

My vision for the CBE is properly funded PUBLIC education for ALL. 

This means more money. We need to fund Alberta schools so they are AT LEAST on par with the rest of the country. Then we need to ensure that money is used to provide well rounded supports that can address individual needs – across the board. 

Studies show reading increases empathy.

I am certain that no one wants a coming of age graphic novel in an elementary School. The important thing is, they were not actually in any elementary schools.

With proper funding and teacher librarians in ever school, we can leave the nuanced decisions about literature in the hands of the experts. Parents can always look over their child’s shoulder and see what they are reading, but this should not be done through ministerial orders.

Phones and access to social media pose a much greater risk to exposure of inappropriate content.

Equity and equality are different.  In a perfect world, every student would have an individualized learning plan. Because they are all unique.

Inclusive education means every student is able to learn in a way that is best for them. 

Children are the future. It’s a cliche because it’s true, and we need to support every student so they can reach their potential. 

But we also need to recognize that some students have an inherently harder path to get to that potential. It is absolutely the role of public schools and the school board to support those students as well.

It is daily work for teachers to be able to see the big picture of their classroom and the individual students within. Being able to see the forest and the trees. That is inclusive education. 

I find the possibility of the UCP government using the notwithstanding clause deeply disturbing. Even if I agreed with the legislation, which I do not, we should allow the legislative process to play out. The notwithstanding clause means they don’t have to defend the legislation in the courts, and that is extremely problematic. 

Particularly because this is being used against children.

Bill 26

The types of gender affirming care provided to adolescents are reversible. They are done with the care and guidance of a medical professional. That is where this decision-making belongs, not in a boardroom with a bunch of politicians. It belongs with doctors and parents.

Bill 27

We all spend a lifetime defining and evolving our identity. This can be as simple as switching your name from Bobby to Robert and creating a more grownup persona. It’s young children playing pretend, acting out the role of doctor, astronauts and mother. It can be more complex, like exploring your sexuality, gender, and what makes you feel most comfortable with yourself. To pick one very isolated portion of that exploration and to target it through government legislation is hurtful, not helpful.

The Alberta Government’s Teaching Quality Standards state “a teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.” So teachers have a responsibility to keep all students safe, including LGBTQ.

There is no reason to not call a student by the name or pronoun that help them feel comfortable. Teachers have a responsibility to report anything that could be dangerous for students. Asking to be called by a chosen name is not dangerous.

Bill 29

I think it’s heartbreaking that young girls must prove their gender in order to participate in amateur sports. An appropriate response to the largely overblown concern of trans girls having a physical advantage, should have been to address it on a case-by-case basis. 

Now all girls, including trans girls, will be targeted and vulnerable. I imagine a 14-year-old girl who is bigger or a “tomboy”, and perhaps already feels uncomfortable with herself, having someone else’s parent question whether or not she is actually a girl. Then she has to prove it.

This requirement will be absolutely devastating for everyone.

We are already seeing a decrease in the number of girls who are enrolled in team sports this year. There are many non-trans girls standing with the trans community and refusing to sign the paper. Good for them, but shame on our government for making anyone decide like that.

I loved answering this question “From which politician or business leader do you draw the most inspiration, and who would you hope to model yourself after as a trustee?”.

I am inspired by so many thought leaders. While working at Wordfest I had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people with big ideas. Several astronauts, Mark Carney, Margaret Atwood, and even Mike Myers. I believe there is always a nugget to be had if you are listening. But those who most inspire me are the people who hold compassion, and see everyone as a fellow human.

 Before the pandemic we hosted Ken Dryden. Beyond his sheer size (I am only 5’ 2” and he towered over me), what was most impressive was the way he handled the line for book signing. He came out from behind the table and spoke with each person – giving them his full attention. In that moment they were everything to him, and that was beautiful! 

I am also inspired by the everyday people around me. My parents who always work hard and care deeply. They have been out delivering post cards for me through this entire process. My kids, who are making their way though this world with compassion. My husband is a painter and he did a series called ‘Interesting People” – it was fully comprise of family members – I loved it! 

Early on at Wordfest we hosted George Saunders, who is my favourite short story author. I was so nervous, wanting everything to go perfectly. Part way though the day he stopped to ask if I had ‘taken a break to eat’. It was so kind! We are all just people. It’s how we show up in the small ways that can makes the difference.