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Welcome.


​It is my absolute privilege to currently sit as a Trustee on the Black Gold School Division Board of Trustees.  I was first elected as a Black Gold Trustee in 2017, and have served in the roles of trustee, vice-chair (1 year) and chair (4 years).  It has been an honour to serve Ward 2, and represent all Black Gold school communities. 

I am also a Director with the Alberta School Boards Association - elected by Alberta trustees to provide leadership at the provincial level.  Prior to this, I was elected ASBA Zone 2/3 Chair.

I am a Devon parent passionate about the importance and value of education - both for our children and for the community.  

Thank you for your trust, support, and encouragement. Now, more than ever, leadership, knowledge, and experience are critical for strong advocacy and governance in Education. I look forward to continuing to serve as your voice!

On Oct 20th, a vote for Devonna Klaassen is a vote for
your voice - our children - their future
​
  Town of Devon Elections                         Town of Calmar Elections                        Leduc County Elections              

TESTIMONIALS.

"I have the deepest respect for Devonna, and her passion for doing things right.  She is a great leader."
- Bill Romanchuk, former Superintendent, Black Gold School Division
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"It has been a great honour to work with you. You are very thoughtful, kind, smart, and willing to listen and learn.
You have great leadership skills and I will watch to see where
those skills take you."
         - Ruth Andres, former Associate Superintendent of Business & Finance,
​Black Gold School Division
"I had the pleasure of working with Devonna for 3.5 years on the Black Gold School Board. During this time, Devonna was an inspiring leader with a tireless, committed work ethic. Her desire to learn and grow was insatiable. During the term there were many unique challenges faced; Devonna led the Board through each with professional composure and spent countless hours responding to constituents. She ensures people are heard and validated, and takes the time to make sure each person is informed of the facts. Devonna is an incredible asset to the Black Gold School Division, to the parents, staff and students, and to the Alberta School Boards Association at the provincial level."
         - Sarah O'Gorman, former Trustee and Vice-Chair,
​Black Gold School Division Board of Trustees
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"I am thrilled that Devonna has decided to run for another term as trustee for our ward. She is a passionate advocate for education with an unparalleled level of knowledge, leadership, and experience. She cares deeply about our school communities and demonstrates that care in every decision she makes."
         - Di Rushfeldt, community parent
"Devonna, I have so enjoyed watching you grow in your role
as a Trustee ... you were one of the new Trustees who was
very soon on my radar. Believe me, it is much easier to retire from trusteeship with young Trustees like yourself leading the way!" 
         - Cheryl Dumont, long time former Trustee, St. Albert Public Schools,
​and former Director with the Alberta School Boards Association
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"Devonna's passion about the future of education is admirable. Her dedication to exploring all sides of an issue in order to make informed decisions that will best serve our children is evident in both casual conversations and formal presentations. Devonna is a huge asset to our school board and a strong advocate for public education both at the board and the provincial level."
         - Jessica F., school council member
"I find Devonna's calm, persistent, and confident style creates a work environment that is positive and comfortable. She is perceptive, open to learning, and demonstrates sterling leadership qualities. I always have the sense that things are under control and well planned. It's an honour to work with her."
         - Nancy Douglas, Director of 211, The Support Network
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"Devonna is skilled at seeing the big picture and is an inspiring leader. She has met and often exceeds her job expectations, modelling superior communication and team building skills.
She is a tenacious problem solver, responsive to feedback, and
​an innovative thinker."
         - Carol Greenaway, Associate Executive Director, The Support Network
 "I can't imagine there has ever been a more challenging time to
be a school board trustee.  I am relieved we have had Devonna
as our children's advocate for this previous term and I look
forward to her continuing in this capacity.  I have the
utmost trust that Devonna always acts in the best interest
of my children. I know she has the strength and integrity
to rise above politics and always do what is right for
​all Black Gold students."
         - Caryn Halstead, Black Gold parent
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"Devonna excels at playing the devil's advocate role; she values exploring issues from different perspectives to get the full picture. She is receptive to input, works through discussions calmly,
and is open to learning. I appreciate her confident, empathetic,
​and empowering approach to leadership!"
         - Kimberley Knull, Registered Psychologist and
​certified Brené Brown Dare to Lead and Daring Way Instructor ​
"During my work as a consultant with Black Gold, I had
an opportunity to observe Ms. Klaassen's leadership
with the board and at public meetings - I was impressed. 
Public education needs thoughtful, organized, and articulate
​people like her in leadership roles."
- David Steele, Governance Consultant ​
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 "Devonna's got heart!  She has so much passion for kids and strengthening education!  ​She's very committed!"
         - Janice Morris, Teacher/Administrator, Devon Preschool Experience Program