PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS' ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Public School Boards' Association of Alberta recognizes former PSBAA President and current Trustee Dennis MacNeil with annual Dick Baker Legacy Award

The Public School Boards' Association of Alberta (PSBAA) is honoured to recognize Dennis MacNeil, former PSBAA President and current Trustee at Aspen View Public Schools, with the Dick Baker Legacy Award. "This award belongs to all of us," says Trustee MacNeil. "It's a team effort. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I have without the help of the Association's members. I've appreciated making connections with each and every one of them, and I'm so honoured to receive this award. I look forward to what the PSBAA and its members will achieve in the years to come."

Left to Right: Jan Sawyer, PSBAA Director; Melanie Reed-Zukowski, PSBAA First Director; Troy Tait, Chief Executive Officer; Dennis MacNeil, former PSBAA President and current Aspen View Public Schools Trustee; Donna Koch, PSBAA Second Vice-President; Lorraine Stewart, PSBAA President; Tim O'Hara, PSBAA Second Director; and Pat Grisonich, PSBAA First Vice-President.

Three public school trustees from different school boards nominated Trustee MacNeil. The nominators include:

• April Bauer, Trustee, Aspen View Public Schools
• Christine Peck, Board Chair, Northern Gateway Public Schools
• Sherri O'Keefe, Trustee, Edmonton Public Schools

The three agreed Trustee MacNeil embodies all the values of the exceptional Dick Baker - a dedicated advocate for public school education. The Dick Baker Legacy Award is given to a public school board trustee who has modelled the values of integrity, compassion, respect, mentoring, transformative leadership and engagement of the heart and mind while always putting children first.

All nominators noted Trustee MacNeil's commitment to uplifting the PSBAA. He was instrumental to increasing the membership of the Association - with four new member public school boards joining during his presidency. "He began by expanding and strengthening our membership, initiating meetings and opening dialogue with non-member boards," says Board Chair Peck. "He also ensured current member boards were heard at Public School Boards' Council meetings and visited board tables across the province."

Additionally, Trustee MacNeil placed special emphasis on engaging with the provincial government. "He ensured trustee perspectives were clearly communicated in meetings with ministry officials, and fostering a more collaborative and solutions-focused dialogue," says Trustee Bauer. "His leadership contributed to more meaningful consultation processes, increased clarity around policy priorities and fostered a stronger provincial understanding of the issues facing public school boards."

Trustee MacNeil's significant contributions will not be forgotten. "Dennis's legacy is one of service, integrity and impact," says Trustee O'Keefe. "Through his leadership, the PSBAA is stronger, more connected and better positioned to serve students and communities across Alberta. His contributions will continue to shape public education in this province for years to come. Dennis MacNeil doesn't just reflect the values of integrity, compassion, respect and wisdom - he lives them, and in doing so, has left an enduring legacy on public school education in Alberta."

The PSBAA held its annual awards evening at its Spring General Assembly in Calgary on May 30. A total of four awards were presented. To learn more about the Association and the outstanding achievements of its members, visit the PSBAA website.