Photo Courtesy Casey Brown

By Tanner Smith

Grande Prairie Public Schools

GPPSD Trustee Election Candidate Profile: Casey Brown

Sep 29, 2025 | 1:39 PM

Casey Brown is one of 12 individuals running for seven Grande Prairie Public School Board Trustee vacancies.

She was asked to provide a candidate bio, or answer four questions in 600 words or less.

1. What has inspired you to run for mayor/council/school trustee in the Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election?

After 33 years as a proud Alberta public school teacher, I chose to retire. I always knew that this wasn’t the end of my career working with children so running for GPPSD trustee seemed a natural next step. I have always taught my students about the importance of Canadian democracy, being an active participant in it and doing more for your community when you have the chance. This is my chance to do just that. My inspiration is kids – those currently in school and those waiting in the wings. “Kids First!” is what matters to me – I want only the best for them and I believe I can do this as a trustee

2. What skills or experience do you have that you feel would make you a good fit for the role?

During my career I have been a classroom teacher, school principal, pedagogical supervisor and a director of education. These roles have afforded me opportunities to teach and develop curriculum, create policies and programs for children, advocate for students, teachers and parents, support a school modernization project and work with various stakeholder groups to build playgrounds and support school programs. I have been involved in both provincial and federal education and I understand the complexities of both systems. In 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented me with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching as a school leader who created a positive and child focussed project that changed the culture of the school. I strongly believe that my experiences make me a great choice for GPPSD trustee.

3. What do you feel are the key or main election issues in your community, and what are the issues of priority for you?

There are so many issues in education – inclusion, funding, teacher and educational assistant shortages, classroom complexity, student behaviour, questionable government policies, curriculum…not to mention an impending teacher strike. All of these matter to me and I believe that they matter to our community. My platform encompasses all of these in three parts:

• accountability to students, staff, parents and community by using resources in the best and most meaningful way possible
• action oriented to advocate and make positive, tangible changes for students, teachers and parents
• always put “Kids First!” in every discussion, decision and vote

At the end of the day, we all need to focus on children and schools as if our future depends on it – because it does!

4. Where can people learn more about you?

People can contact me via email at missclbrown25@gmail.com or on my “Casey Brown for GPPSD Trustee” Facebook group. I welcome all questions, suggestions and ideas. I am also willing to meet and speak with groups, organizations and stakeholders.