On October 30, at the regularly scheduled Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Board meeting, the newly elected Board was sworn in. Following the swearing-in ceremony, trustees formally acclaimed Colleen Holowaychuk as Board Chair and Krista Scott as Board Vice-Chair. Both individuals will lead the Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 school year.
Colleen Holowaychuk (left), EIPS Board Chair, and Krista Scott (right), EIPS Board Vice-Chair.
Chair Holowaychuk was first elected as an EIPS trustee in October 2010, representing residents in Lamont County. Her background includes several leadership roles serving as a former EIPS Board Vice-Chair, former Director and Zone 2/3 Chair and Vice-Chair with the Alberta School Boards Association, and Councillor for the Town of Lamont and more than 30 years in the health research sector, including diabetes research and chiropractic care. Through these experiences, she's developed a strong passion for leadership and a deep understanding of the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving shared goals.
"It is a great privilege to be acclaimed as Board Chair," says Chair Holowaychuk. "A new Board means new possibilities, renewed focuses and continued championing for public education in all our communities - this is going to be an incredible team. Over the next eight months we'll focus on reviewing the new four-year education plan and ensuring all EIPS students have access to excellent learning opportunities."
Elected in 2025, Vice-Chair Krista Scott represents residents of Strathcona County, south of Wye Road. Through her extensive involvement on school councils, the EIPS Committee of School Councils and the provincial Alberta School Councils' Association, Scott brings valuable experience in governance and strategic planning. Her focus: To represent EIPS families, ensuring their concerns and perspectives inform educational decision-making and advocating for the funding and resources to meet students' needs.
"It's an honour to be acclaimed as Vice-Chair this year," says Vice-Chair Scott. "We're all excited about the new Board and the work ahead. We're in the last year of the current Four-Year Education Plan. That means there's a lot we've accomplished and also much work ahead to ensure we sustain a high-quality, student-centred education for all students. The Board is committed to advocating for public education and ensuring student growth and success stay at the heart of everything we do."
At the meeting, the Board of Trustees also approved its regular Board meeting schedule, which is now available on the EIPS website.
EIPS has a nine-member Board representing more than 17,750 students and their families in Sherwood Park, the City of Fort Saskatchewan, the Town of Vegreville, Strathcona County, Lamont County and the western portion of the County of Minburn. Trustees meet as a Board and on committees on a regular basis throughout the year to ensure students receive the best education possible.
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