CANDIDATE PROFILE: Alexandra Bercea

A significant part of my leadership experience has also involved building the case for programs and resources. When asking for additional funding, it is not enough to simply say more money is needed. We need to clearly identify the problem, explain how the funding will be used, who it will serve, how many people will benefit, what outcomes we expect and how we will measure whether that investment made a difference. I believe that same level of clarity and accountability is essential when public funds are involved.

I have also worked alongside Indigenous communities in community-based settings where cultural teachings, relationships and respect for local knowledge were important parts of the work.

I approach systems through a biopsychosocial lens. A student’s ability to learn is influenced not only by academics, but also by mental health, family circumstances, physical health, culture, safety, social connection and belonging.

I’m running because I believe that perspective, combined with strong governance, financial awareness, accountability and communication, can help ensure decisions are made with the whole student in mind.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing SD73 and how would you use your elected position to address it?

One of the biggest challenges facing SD73 is maintaining stability, trust and confidence while making responsible decisions with limited resources.

As a trustee, I would focus on strong governance, clear roles, transparent financial oversight and respectful working relationships between the board and administration. I would ask difficult questions, examine the evidence behind decisions and make sure emerging concerns are identified early rather than waiting until they become crises.

When additional resources are needed, I would also want the district to clearly demonstrate why they are needed, how they will be used, who they will serve and how outcomes will be measured. Families and the public should understand not only what decisions are being made, but why.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing students and how would you address it?

One of the biggest issues facing students is the number of barriers that can prevent them from being ready and able to learn.

Mental health, food insecurity, housing instability, attendance, disability, learning needs, family circumstances and a lack of belonging can all affect a student’s education.

My approach is to look beyond the behaviour or attendance number and ask what is preventing this student from succeeding.

I would support early intervention, strong mental-health and learning supports, food programs, inclusive practices and partnerships with community services. Access to education is more than having a seat in a classroom. Students need the conditions that allow them to learn and participate.

What are your thoughts on communication between SD73, its schools and the region’s residents? As a trustee, would you speak to your votes and decisions on the record?

Yes. I believe strong communication is essential to rebuilding and maintaining trust. Families and residents should not have to guess what the board is doing or why.

As a trustee, I would support clear, timely and plain-language communication about decisions, priorities and how those decisions affect students and schools. I would also want communication to be two-way, with meaningful opportunities for families, staff and community members to raise concerns and provide input.

I would speak openly about my votes and explain the reasoning behind my decisions whenever possible, while respecting legal and privacy obligations. Even when people disagree with a decision, they deserve clarity about how it was reached and what information informed it.

Following a term highlighted by allegations of bullying and harassment by its former superintendent and a $2.2 million budget shortfall, how would you use your position to bring stability to the school district?

Stability begins with strong governance, accountability, respectful leadership and clear boundaries between governance and operations.

I would support clear expectations for senior leadership, respectful workplace standards, appropriate processes for concerns to be raised and addressed, and regular oversight of both organizational health and finances.

Financially, I would want strong forecasting, regular budget monitoring and early identification of pressures.

I also believe disagreement does not have to become dysfunction. Healthy boards should be able to ask difficult questions, challenge ideas respectfully, make evidence-informed decisions and then work together to move the organization forward.

Why should residents give you their vote?

I bring a combination of leadership experience, clinical knowledge, program development, policy work, risk management, funding experience and the perspective of a parent.

My career has involved building programs, leading teams, working within complex systems, developing policies and supporting children, families and communities facing significant challenges. I understand how to identify a need, develop a response, make the case for resources and then measure whether those resources are actually making a difference.

I have learned that compassion and accountability are not opposites. Strong systems require both.

I do not believe any trustee should claim to have every answer. What I bring is the ability to listen, ask difficult questions, examine evidence, understand issues from multiple perspectives and turn concerns into practical action.

My priorities are student safety, strong learning, responsible governance, transparency and ensuring every student has a genuine opportunity to succeed.

by CFJC Today

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Alexandra Bercea

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