About Donna
Born and raised in the Peace Country, living in Grande Prairie for over 40 years. I have board, governance, business, community, safety, and volunteer experience. I ran for trustee 4 years ago because I believe you get out of your community what you put into it.
I have family who have been educated in our division and I am very proud of their success, regardless of what their path has been. I have many teacher and school staff friends whom I admire their passion, dedication, and their contribution to the team effort that is required in creating great citizens.
It has been an honour to serve as trustee these last 4 years, it has exceeded my expectations and I am very proud of the achievements the board made together during this time. I would love the opportunity to represent you for another 4 years.
✏️ Public Education for Everyone
Best possible education for everyone, including diversity and belonging. It is students first and we need to continue to provide a variety of programs to support student success. Having said that we need to listen, to parents, teachers, and staff. They know best.
✏️ Health & Wellness
As a health and wellness nurse consultant and leader for over 35 years, I believe health and education to be fundamental and intertwined. My vast experience makes me uniquely qualified to support the overall physical, nutritional, and mental health needs of the students and staff we serve.
✏️ Governance, Passionate Leadership
Every board requires good governance and in my current role as a consultant I work with organizations across Canada and internationally addressing quality and safety and continuous improvement. I am experience in planning, partnership, strategy, leadership, finance, people, emergency preparedness, physical environment, land development, and integrated quality management.
🍎 Proven School Board Experience 🍎
Elected in City of Grande Prairie Municipal Election as trustee to the Division in Oct 2021. It has been an honour to serve as trustee these last 4 years, it has exceeded my expectations. The most fun was having the opportunity to be invited into the schools for turkey dinners, literacy week, school graduations, openings, and special events.
My strategy was to immerse myself in everything education so over my term I have had many great experiences representing the board. I made a commitment to myself and for the students, staff, and families to be apart of every committee and initiative available.
- Vice chair of the GPPSD board, chair of the audit committee, and chair of board policy for 2024/25.
- ASEBP observer / member on behalf of AB School Board Association
- Past chair and current member for the Advocacy and Engagement committee.
- ASBA Zone 1 representative for the nominating committee for the Edwin Par award for first year teachers and Friends of Education award.
- Current trustee representative for Public School Board Association general meetings (PSBC).
- GP Public Education Foundation Board member, including committee Chair for Strut and Strive Foundation Fundraiser (2019)
- Participated in bargaining for both collective agreements in the division.
- Member of the non-instructional liaison committee and teacher-trustee liaison committee.
- Regularly attended AB School Board Association and PSBC general meetings.
- Attended school and parent council meetings for 3 different schools per year over my term.
Professional Experience
- Over 35 years of experience in healthcare, in roles growing from public health nursing into management.
- Current Accreditation Canada surveyor / lead / trainer - since 2015
- Current Grande Prairie Public School Board Trustee - since 2021
- Current Grande Prairie Police Commission/Grande Prairie Police Committee - since 2023
- Current Maskwa Medical Center Consultant and Board member - since 2021
- Former Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta Member of Board of Directors - 6 years
- Design Works Engineering Partner
Education
- Bachelor of Science Nursing
- Management Certificate
- Physician - Manager Training Certificate
- Project Management Certificate
- Executive Education Program Certificate
Community Involvement
- Rotary Member, Grande Prairie After Five International and Foundation Club Chair - since 2017
- Member of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association
- Heart and Stoke Foundation-Red Dress Event Chair and Founding Member - 10 years
- Support The Girls- Breast Cancer Fundraiser Committee Member and Fashion Show Director - since 2017
Testimonials
Alison Gustafson
Alison Gustafson
Alison Gustafson
- Parent, Community Builder, Business Leader
" I am proud to support Donna as a candidate for Public School Board Trustee. After knowing Donna for many years and being honoured to work with her on different levels and committees, I know Donna to lead with integrity. She seeks to understand the needs of the community and region, by listening, evaluating and making informed decisions. She will always keep her commitments and will be an asset to our schools.."
Helen Neufeld
Alison Gustafson
Alison Gustafson
- Dean of Students for Reading University
" You can depend on Donna to show up, stand up, and speak up. Guaranteed."
Darrin Wile
Darrin Wile
Darrin Wile
- Former Colleague
" I’m proud to support Donna Koch in her re-election campaign for School Board Trustee. Donna is a proven leader with a deep commitment to public service and community well-being. As a leader in health care, she made a profound impact across numerous programs—improving access, driving innovation, and ensuring that services truly met the needs of the people they were designed to serve.
Her work wasn’t just about policy—it was about people. Donna championed initiatives that supported families, enhanced mental health resources, and strengthened partnerships between schools and health services. She understands how interconnected education and wellness are, and she brings that insight to every decision she makes.
Donna’s leadership is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and accountability. She listens, she acts, and she delivers results. Our schools deserve someone with her experience, her integrity, and her unwavering dedication to students and families.
Re-Electing Donna Koch means choosing a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. I can’t think of a better advocate for our schools."
Dori Mark
Darrin Wile
Darrin Wile
- Friend
" I proudly support Donna Koch for a Grande Prairie Public School Board Trustee. Donna is dedicated, hardworking, and deeply invested in our community. She is knowledgable, well- educated, and brings a caring, personable approach to everything she does. With her commitment and experience, I trust Donna to be a strong advocate for our students and schools."
Remember to get out and vote on October 20, 2025!
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