Long-serving Jasper school trustee Dale Karpluk will not run for re-election in October.

Karpluk, who was first elected in 2017 and who for the last four years has sat as chairperson on the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division board, said she is ready to pass the torch to another community-minded individual.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve,” Karpluk said. “And to ensure we have a voice supporting our students.”

Karpluk worked as a teacher and principal for 41 years before putting her name forward for election as trustee in 2017. She admitted the last two terms have been a “rollercoaster.” 

In her tenure Karpluk served under three different Alberta premiers, oversaw an overhauled school curriculum and helped navigate online learning as a result of the COVID pandemic. Natural disasters and extreme weather including Jasper’s 2022 Chetamon Mountain fire, wildfire evacuations in Edson and Lobstick, and freeze-ups put several wrenches in operations—not to mention the disruption and trauma caused by the July 2024 Jasper Wildfire disaster. 

“The staff of our schools were heroes, making sure they were at school and welcoming our children who needed their normalcy,” Karpluk said. 

The board facilitated a successful search to replace GYPSD’s superintendent and stood by two nail-biting labour disputes, including CUPE’s settlement last winter and the current pending strike action from the Alberta Teachers’ Association. 

“We’ve had big ticket challenges,” Karpluk said. “Regardless, it’s been extremely rewarding to serve for our children’s education.”

That sense of gratification and duty is why Karpluk is encouraging other Jasperites to consider throwing their hat in the ring. She said children need passionate and dedicated people who advocate for all the children in the school division’s care.

“Advocacy is a big part of being a trustee,” Karpluk said. 

GYPSD is likewise reminding the public that trustees have a vital role in providing leadership and guidance to the school division by defining the vision, mission, and operational expectations on behalf of their stakeholders and communities.

The board has put out a short video detailing the important role of a school board trustee.

“Children make up 100 percent of our future,” Karpluk said.

Grande Yellowhead elects seven school board trustees, including one from Jasper. Election day is October 20. The nomination period closes on September 22.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com