Board of Trustees

Board Chair
Appointed by Engage PEI
Stephanie Arnold (settler, they/them)
Email: swsarnold@edu.pe.ca

Stephanie supports the education system with passion and commitment. They recognize how different pieces connect together. Successes of students, families, front-line staff, branch staff, community members, education partners, Board of Trustees, and the Department of Education and Early Years - as well as the challenges they face - are all interconnected. The focus on supporting collaborative, positive changes at the system level is a hallmark across their past and current work on the Board of Trustees and community-based boards and councils.

During their first term, they served as a Board Vice Chair, member of the Hearing Committee, and member of the Audit and Finance Committee. They currently serve as Board Chair and looks forward to supporting Trustees, the Minister's Office, and education partners in their contributions to the education system.

Board Vice-Chair
Montague Family of Schools (Zone 6)
Wade Czank
Email: wpczank@edu.pe.ca

"Eckhardt, think about the future”
- Jack Nicholson in Batman, 1989

The quote from Jack Nicholson in the 1989 film, Batman, perfectly sums up my feelings on the Island’s school system. I firmly believe the future is very important for education and the Public Schools Branch. Therefore, as someone who was recently acclaimed as a trustee for a second term, my main priorities will focus on the safety of staff and students. I am also looking at how government funds can be allocated to build new schools not just in communities like Charlottetown, Stratford and Summerside, but also in rural communities such as Montague, Georgetown. Schools in these areas have aging infrastructure and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. What is needed is much more than just a band-aid fix. I also think the general public and parents should be informed on the importance of the monthly school board meetings. In doing this, relevant parties can have their input on the future of the schools and the students.

I currently reside in the booming metropolis of Uigg with my wife, Crissy, and my son, Leo. My wife is a Resource Teacher at Montague Consolidated School. Meanwhile, my son currently attends St. Thomas University in Fredericton. He is working towards his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications.

Community involvement is a huge part of what I do in my free time. I am currently on the Sir Andrew MacPhail Foundation Board. The organization is dedicated to preserving the Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead in Orwell. I also sit as a part of the public members of the College of Hygienists, as well as the Acupuncturist College. I am also a driver for Transportation East, a company dedicated to helping those in the community who may not have any mode of transportation.

Community involvement is only one part of my life. In recent years, I have started branching off and have expanded my interests in paranormal activities. I have my diploma in cryptozoology and also paranormal equipment. I am looking in the next few months to get certified in ghost hunting. I am also a die-hard Elvis Presley fan.

Bluefield Family of Schools (Zone 4)
Karen Clare
Email: kclare@edu.pe.ca

Karen and her husband are proud parents of two students who attended Westwood through Bluefield schools. She has several years’ experience with local Home and School Associations, serving as both a member and President. During this time, she also served as Regional Director for two years, on behalf of the Bluefield Family of Schools for the PEI Home and School Federation. In that role, she was nominated as the Federation’s liaison for the national Coalition for Healthy School Food. As well, she represented the Bluefield Family of Schools for the provincially-led District Advisory Councils that were engaged in the needs of learners.

Karen looks forward to representing the Bluefield Family of Schools. She will bring integrity, empathy, and commitment to her role as School Board Trustee. Karen’s goal is to make a meaningful difference for our students by collaborating with her fellow School Board Trustees and other stakeholders to advocate for our students. Students’ needs are diverse and challenging. Together, our support is more important than ever.

Charlottetown Family of Schools (Zone 5)
Gaylene Carragher
Email: gcarragher@edu.pe.ca

Gaylene is passionate about supporting students, educators, and families across PEI while ensuring our schools have the leadership they deserve.

As a parent of three children who have gone through the PEI Public School System and an educational leader with over twenty-five years of experience, she is keenly aware of both the opportunities and challenges facing our schools. Her career began in the classrooms at Holland College and has grown to include teaching, curriculum and program development, leadership, and governance.

Gaylene is deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, awareness, and transparency. Her servant leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and sound fiscal management to ensure responsible stewardship.

Charlottetown Family of Schools (Zone 5)
Andrew MacFarlane
Email: amacfarlane@edu.pe.ca

Andrew MacFarlane is a bilingual parent and long-time Charlottetown resident with nearly 20 years of experience mentoring Island youth through the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served as a Captain and former Commanding Officer of 148 Charlottetown Army Cadets. He has a professional background in federal procurement and corporate risk management, working under strict standards of fairness, openness, and transparency. Living with dyslexia himself and with close family members who teach in Island schools, Andrew brings a grounded understanding of classroom realities and the importance of evidence-based literacy and calm, supportive learning environments. He is committed to strengthening communication between families and schools, supporting teachers, and ensuring students have the safety, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Kensington and Kinkora Families of Schools (Zone 3)
Peter Fullerton
Email: pfullerton@edu.pe.ca

Peter Fullerton has had a long career in education. Having taught 33 years in the public school system before becoming President of the New Brunswick Teachers Association, Peter has a first hand knowledge base on which to draw while making decisions for the education system of PEI.

Peter holds a BEd degree from UNB and teaching licences from New Brunswick, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island.

Having served on the NBIAA Executive, the NBTA Board of Directors and the UNB Board of Governors he has a strong understanding of board governance structure and dynamics.

In making any decisions concerning the educational system of PEI, consultation is the key and in Peter’s words that consultation must come from “the boots on the ground” namely parents and teachers.

Peter retired to PEI in 2015 and currently resides in Stanley Bridge with his wife Karen. He is currently employed as Property Manager for Avonlea Village and the Cavendish Boardwalk and is a member of the town planning commission for the Resort Municipality.

With his grandson being in Grade One at Gulf Shore Consolidated, his goal is to make the school system the best it can be for him and in turn the best it can be for all students within the province.

Morell and Souris Families of Schools (Zone 7)
Marcella Byrne
Email: mbyrne@edu.pe.ca

Marcella is a wife and mother of six and grandmother of five, all of whom have attended or currently attend the Morell family of schools. She lives on a hobby farm with pigs, chickens, cows, a pony and beautiful collie dogs Shaggy & Sandy.

Marcella was a local Home and School president for 15 years and a Director with the PEI Home and School Federation for a one-year term. Growing up and living in the same school zone where raising her children, she has remained actively involved with the community and have a desire to make her grandchildren’s school years as beneficial as possible to give them what they need to be successful.

Three Oaks Family of Schools (Zone 2)
Emily McKeown
Email: emckeown@edu.pe.ca

Emily has been a resident of Summerside for 20 plus years. Emily believes deeply in education as a lived value—something shaped not only by classrooms, but by families, workplaces, and the wider community. With a strong background in business and human resources, Emily brings practical experience in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and supporting people to reach their full potential.

Her work has always centered around building strong relationships. Emily is known for her social connectivity—bringing people together, listening carefully to diverse perspectives, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. She is committed to fostering commonality over divisiveness, ensuring that decisions are rooted in shared goals and respectful dialogue.

Emily aims to champion an inclusive, student-focused vision, strengthen collaboration between schools and the community, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Westisle Family of Schools (Zone 1)
Andrew Avery
Email: andrewavery@edu.pe.ca

Appointed by Engage PEI
Andrew Rose (he/him/his)
Email: andrewrose@edu.pe.ca

Andrew Rose moved to PEI in 2021 from Newfoundland and Labrador. He lives in Charlottetown with his wife and their pets. Andrew is an instructor with Holland College, teaching mathematics and physics across various programs.

Since moving to PEI, Andrew has worked hard to give back to his new home community. In addition to his role with the PSB, Andrew serves on Holland College's Culture and Inclusion Advisory Committee as a faculty representative. He also serves on the City of Charlottetown's Affordable Housing Advisory Board. 

Andrew holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Math and Physics, a Master's degree in Mathematics, and a Bachelor's degree in Education. He also holds Post-Secondary/Adult teaching certifications from Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Prince Edward Island.

Appointed by Epekwitk Assembly of Councils
Vacant
Email: