The Board of Governors supports the Board of Trustees’ efforts by increasing support for Edmonton Public Schools within the community, particularly the 80 per cent of Edmontonians who currently do not have a direct link to the public education system. 

Members include:

• Duncan Binder, CEO of Binder Construction Ltd.;
• Bev Esslinger, Member of the Community;
• Robin Gransch, Senior Procurement Agent, Edmonton Public Schools
• Dr. Louise Hayes, Chair of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and Manager of Organizational Liaison for Aboriginal Relations, Government of Alberta;
• Don Lore, President of Western Drill Collar Inspection Ltd.;
• Linda Miller, CEO of EWI Works International;
• Ray Purdy, QC, Managing Partner of Brownlee LLP;
• Catherine Ripley, Representative from the Board of Trustees; and
• San San Sy, M.Sc. Ed., Charities and Law Project Consultant, Legal Resource Centre.

Learn more about our Foundation staff: Director Sandra Woitas and Fund Development Associate Alva Shewchuk. 

Board of Governors:

Duncan Binder
As CEO of Binder Construction Ltd., Duncan’s company primarily constructs buildings in the industry’s institutional sector. While he’s connected to public education through his work, both his children also attend an Edmonton Public Schools high school.

Bev Esslinger
A former Trustee who served two terms on the Edmonton Public School Board, Bev believes public education is the cornerstone of a strong society. She supports children — as a volunteer, foster parent and community member — and organizations, such as the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities. 

Robin Gransch
As Senior Procurement Agent for Edmonton Public Schools, Robin is responsible for managing the acquisition of products, equipment, services and disposal. She believes strongly that public education is critical for creating the next generation of leaders in the community.

Dr. Louise Hayes
Currently Chair of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, Louise believes that public education is essential to the success of young students. As an active community member, she serves on the University’s Board of Governors and Edmonton Police Service Aboriginal Advisory Council. On June 9, 2011, Louise received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta.

Don Lore
Don has fulfilled many roles: a small business owner, community volunteer and the past president of the Riverbend Community League. Having watched his four children finish their schooling with Edmonton Public Schools, he has always supported the public education system. He volunteer coaches for an Edmonton Public Schools junior high basketball team. 

Linda Miller
For the past 19 years, Linda has worked as an occupational therapist for her own business, EWI Works International. As a parent, she believes in public education and its ability to help all students, regardless of their background, succeed in school and life. Linda is currently pursuing doctoral studies.

Ray Purdy, QC
As Managing Partner of Brownlee LLP, a law firm with roots in Edmonton and Alberta, Ray supports public education, particularly programs that level the playing field for Edmonton students. His three children graduated from Edmonton Public Schools.

Catherine Ripley
Currently, Catherine is a Trustee serving her second term on the Edmonton Public School Board. As an advocate of public education, she is eager to imprint its value in the hearts and minds of the entire community. She is also an author of over 20 books for young readers.

San San Sy
As a dedicated educator and community activist, San San brings valuable insight on how best to support immigrant and multicultural communities in our city. Her two children graduated from Edmonton Public Schools.