Devonna Klaassen
Bio
As a mother and wife, I am deeply passionate about learning, our children, and the future of education.
Now in my eighth year as Ward 2 Trustee with Black Gold School Division, I bring both experience and heart to the role. Before being elected, I was an active school council member and school volunteer. My professional background includes serving as a senior manager at a Crisis Centre, where I developed strong leadership and advocacy skills. I also hold a degree in Psychology, and a certificate in School Board Governance.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, I enjoy engaging with educational research and theory, along with established best practices and innovative approaches in leadership and governance.
I initially ran for Trustee as a parent who valued the importance of education – both for our children and our community. Eight years later, my knowledge and experience have grown and so has my passion for serving.
Leadership is also central to my work. I have spent more than half of my time on the Board as Vice-Chair or Chair, served two years as the Alberta School Boards Association Zone 2/3 Chair, and am currently in my second year as an ASBA Director, a provincial role elected by fellow Alberta trustees.
Platform
Vision
Now, more than ever, leadership, knowledge, and experience are critical for strong advocacy and governance in education. I am motivated, hard-working, and eager to continue serving as your voice to strengthen our education system—for today and for the future.
Students First
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in ways that honour their strengths, interests, and goals. Children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported. When schools meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally—achievement naturally follows. I work to cultivate environments where students thrive not only in academics, but also in resilience, communication, identity, and moral reasoning.
Belonging and Well-Being
Belonging means mattering. Students should feel valued not despite who they are, but because of it. Building belonging requires intentional action: representation in curriculum, validating identity, mentoring, addressing micro-aggressions, and celebrating strengths. Well-being is equally essential. Trauma-informed practices, mental health supports, and physical activity help children regulate emotions, build focus, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Together, belonging and well-being lay the foundation for deep, meaningful learning.
Strong Schools, Strong Communities
Schools are at the heart of our communities. When schools engage families, reflect local needs, and build partnerships, they strengthen both student success and community sustainability. Supporting staff is equally vital; students thrive when staff feel valued, safe, and equipped with meaningful professional development. By investing in the people who make learning possible, we invest directly in our students’ success.
Accountability and Governance
Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of my approach to governance. I believe effective leadership starts with listening — seeking out diverse perspectives, encouraging open and respectful debate, and making decisions grounded in both data and community voice. Building strong relationships with elected officials and community partners is central to this work, allowing us to find solutions together. Through thoughtful oversight and strategic planning, I will ensure our division remains focused on student success while staying aligned with the priorities of the communities we serve.
My Commitment
I believe in an education system where students grow not just in academics, but in confidence, resilience, and purpose. By prioritizing students, belonging, community, and accountability, we prepare children not just for school, but for life.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 780-982-5640
Website: www.VoteDevonna.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteDevonnaK