Leading Through Crisis: What I Learned as a School Trustee During the Pandemic

Leadership is tested in the toughest moments, and the pandemic was one of the hardest times to be a school trustee. Every decision carried weight—balancing provincial mandates, parent concerns, and, most importantly, the health and well-being of students and staff.

There was no roadmap. No perfect solution. Just tough calls that had to be made in real time. The biggest lesson? Communication and trust are everything. Parents wanted answers. Teachers needed support. Students needed stability. The key wasn’t having all the answers—it was listening, adapting, and making decisions with the best information available. Working with my fellow colleagues and our CAC was one of the best experiences I have had a community leader. I learned so much from being a part of this team.

📌 Actionable Insight: In times of crisis, leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When pressure mounts, lean into transparency, listen to concerns, and focus on what truly matters: the people you serve.

~"Strong teams don’t break in a crisis—they adapt, unite, and lead." Crystal Froese