Keith McDonald: Catholic school board candidate strives to make decisions in best interest of students

By Dale Woodard on September 11, 2021.

Keith McDonald is seeking re-election as trustee for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. Herald photo by Dale Woodard

As he seeks to return as a trustee for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Keith McDonald will strive to ensure teachers and schools can deliver the highest standard of education and that all budget decisions are made in the best interest of children.
“I will work to create a system where all the best our schools have to offer are accessible to all, at no cost to children and their families.”
McDonald added his mission is to support catholic education and its future growth.
“We all need to build strong communities through the power of Catholic education.”
McDonald was born and raised in Taber and is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge in business management (finance major).He works for Industrial Alliance, an investment firm, in Lethbridge.
McDonald and his wife, Julia, have four kids who have been raised through the Catholic School system.
McDonald is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Martha Parish in Lethbridge.
Having the lowest unemployment rate in the province, with a college and university, Lethbridge and area will see population growth, said McDonald.
“Immigration with population growth means we need a new elementary school in west Lethbridge and upgrades to St. Francis Junior High School. Parents must feel confident that their child is being provided with the best opportunity to maximize their potential for a happy, rewarding and successful life. Being that we are an urban and rural school division, we must strive to welcome all children to our schools.”
What has worked for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is team work, today’s dollars for today’s kids and faith connection, said McDonald.
“We have 70 per cent of our students in Lethbridge, but we need to support the entire school division. Despite running for trustee in Lethbridge, we are a rural and urban school district with two large Indigenous reserves that we need to listen, welcome and adapt programs for them into all our schools. We are a young and growing community with new Canadians coming to Lethbridge. So I am excited to return as separate school division trustee, to support our growing, publicly-funded Catholic schools in Alberta.

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