Retired EICS principal seeks trustee seat - Sherwood Park News

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The race for the Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) trustee seat in Ward 1 is now a five-way affair.

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Don Marceau, a retired principal from the division, has decided he’s not yet done with helping shape Catholic education and has entered the race.

This is Marceau’s first time seeking a trustee position but he said his experience in the education system makes him primed for the job.

“I’ve served in a number of different schools in Elk Island Catholic over the years and I thought maybe this was an opportune time to throw my name into the hat and see if I can make a difference,” explained Marceau.

Marceau started teaching in 1981 in Fort Saskatchewan and has worked at a number of schools over the years.

“In Sherwood Park I served as principal of Holy Spirit, Madonna, Jean Vanier, which is now known as St. Nicholas, St. Luke Catholic Schools and I’ve helped out in a variety of ways since I retired and I’ve stayed active working on a number of different projects for the board, helping out with various school admins including Arch Bishop Jordan,” Marceau said. “My last year I worked as a division principal out of the central office and I think I’ve got a pretty thorough understanding of how Catholic schools work at EICS.”

Marceau retired in 2018 but said he still has lots to offer.

“I think I’m a good listener and a good problem solver. Because of my experience and background in Catholic school I have an innate understanding of how they work, what works and what doesn’t work,” he said. “I’m confident I’ll be able to listen carefully to the various needs throughout the school division and to assist as best I can to make a difference to help out wherever I can.”

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The candidate said this next term would have a lot of issues to address, including the continued pandemic.

“The last school I worked in was at the end of June, and I was helping with a COVID-related matter. It became obvious to me that teachers, administrators, students and families are exhausted by the pandemic and I assume that goes for the central leadership team as well,” Marceau said. “A primary goal for me is to work towards providing every support possible and continue to lobby the provincial government for supports.”

Marceau said he was in support of COVID-19 safety efforts, including masking and vaccinations where possible.

Another big priority for the candidate is the draft curriculum, which he does not support.

“The draft curriculum is problematic. I don’t think you can have as many people voice concerns about it and not recognize there are legitimate concerns with the curriculum,” he said. “All of the appropriate parties need to be involved and consulted and that means teachers, who were largely left out of the process previously.”

Marceau said one of the reasons the curriculum is the mess it is, is due to teachers not being consulted.

You can contact Marceau by phone for more information about his campaign at 780-690-9071 or by email at donmarceau75@gmail.com.

The candidate said he is also on Facebook at Elect Don Marceau.

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Retired EICS principal seeks trustee seat - Sherwood Park News
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