Joe DeGagne
Wards 4 & 7
Website: joedegagne.ca
Email: [email protected]
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Biography My family moved to Calgary in 1973, and I attended St. Francis High School. After graduating, I worked with my father in our family business before pursuing a Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary. This decision sparked a 35-year career in education that shaped my leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction from Gonzaga University and completed the Religious Education Administration Program at St. Mary’s University College. These qualifications, combined with my experience in both public (Rockyview School Division) and Catholic (Calgary Catholic School Division) education systems, have provided me with a deep understanding of governance, curriculum development, and student-centered learning. Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about giving back to the community. I have volunteered with St. Mary’s Feed the Hungry, The Ostomy Society of Calgary, Canadian Blood Services, and community fundraising efforts. Recently, I supported St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in welcoming new Ukrainian immigrants, a cause close to my heart as my wife is a first-generation Canadian of Ukrainian descent. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all students and ensuring they have the resources to succeed academically, spiritually, and socially. |
Platform As Trustee, I will ensure every student has access to the tools and support they need to succeed academically and grow personally. I will advocate for equitable funding, enhanced mental health resources, and better access to technology, addressing the rising costs of education and supporting targeted interventions for students with diverse learning needs. Amplifying the voices of families will be central to my decision-making.
I am committed to improving educational opportunities by advocating for increased provincial funding, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs for students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL). I will champion diverse pathways such as fine arts, trades, and STEM to prepare students for the future while advocating for curriculum updates that reflect today’s needs, including critical thinking and cultural understanding. Collaboration with families, local organizations, and community leaders is essential to building a supportive environment for learning. By fostering partnerships with faith-based groups, businesses, and nonprofits, I will help bring mentorship opportunities, extracurricular programs, and additional resources to schools. Addressing local challenges like overcrowding and limited resources is critical. I will work to ensure schools are built in high-demand areas, and additional support staff—such as counselors and educational assistants—are available. Transparency in resource allocation will remain a priority. Finally, I will uphold Catholic values of faith, compassion, and service while fostering inclusivity and respect for diversity. By promoting spiritual growth and ethical leadership, I will create a welcoming environment for all families who choose a Catholic education. |
7 Questions
1. What are your priority areas?
Improving Educational Opportunities, Tackling Local Challenges, Advocating for Students and Families, and additional support staff.
2. What are your views on Funding for Public education?
Publicly funded education is paramount to create equity for all Albertans.
3. How Can learning conditions be improved?
Equitable funding, greater mental health supports, and access to technology to bridge gaps in learning. Address rising costs of education and promoting initiatives like targeted interventions for students with learning challenges. Additional support staff—such as educational assistants, psychologists, and counselors—so teachers can focus on teaching and students receive the help they need.
4. How can trustees and school boards best support teachers?
Additional support staff—such as educational assistants, psychologists, and counselors—so teachers can focus on teaching and students receive the help they need. Lower class size and eliminating unnecessary provincial assessment. Transparency and genuine mental health initiatives.
5. What are your views on the recently released curriculum?
Better than its predecessor but we're not there yet.
6. How do we best encourage and facilitate the calls to action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
Based on "Calls to Action 62-65," we need to continue with curriculum development, education funding, teacher training, and public education campaigns.
7. What are your priorities in creating a welcoming and inclusive district for all?
Embrace Diversity and Inclusion, Support Equity in Education, Uphold Catholic Values of Compassion and Service, Foster a Safe and Respectful Environment for Students and Staff, Engage Families and Communities.