Mariia Khriachtcheva
For Public School Trustee
MBA, MSc Finance, BA Economics
VOTE OCT 20
My journey from Soviet Russia through European and Canadian universities has taught me that education opens doors to possibilities we can't even imagine. I'm running because I believe every child deserves those same opportunities.
Having experienced educational systems that ranged from rigid and traditional to progressive and innovative, I bring a balanced perspective on what helps children thrive. My background in finance, business, and international education equips me to support our teachers and strengthen our schools.
As a parent with a child in grade 6, I appreciate everything this community has provided to me and my family. Together with educators, families, and community members, we can continue building an education system that truly recognizes each student's unique potential.
Our dedicated teachers manage increasingly complex classrooms with increasingly limited resources. We must address educator wellbeing thoughtfully and provide the professional development and support they deserve.
Every child should feel valued and supported. From newcomer families navigating language barriers to students with special needs, we must ensure multiple paths to success for all learners.
Education is an investment in Alberta's future. Our funding model needs refinement to reflect Fort McMurray's unique circumstances as a northern community with diverse populations.
Meaningful learning happens with 20 students in elementary classrooms and 25 in secondary. These aren't just statistics—they represent conditions where teachers can build meaningful relationships with students.
Supporting both prevention and intervention for student and staff mental health is essential. Teachers' energy and enthusiasm directly affect students, and we must prioritize their wellbeing.
Building genuine connections requires meeting people where they are comfortable—through welcoming community conversations, online forums for shift workers, and multilingual support for newcomer families.
I believe in principled advocacy combined with diplomatic engagement. When our community's needs are not being met, I will absolutely speak up. Experience has taught me that the best outcomes come from building understanding, not burning bridges.
I firmly believe our unionized staff are invaluable assets to our education system. Rather than looking to cut costs through contracting out, I'll focus on maximizing the value of our existing talented workforce through professional development and support.
I view unions as essential partners in educational excellence. Fair compensation and good working conditions are investments in educational quality, not simply expenses. I approach negotiations with the mindset that we're solving problems together.
Let's create an education system that recognizes each student's unique potential and reflects the demands of the modern world.