As a non-partisan association, ASBA advocates on behalf of member school boards regardless of which political party is in power. Through regular engagement with the Minister of Education and various ministries, ASBA ensures that member priorities are heard and considered in discussions and decision-making processes.
ASBA actively participated in government events and announcements, ensuring that the voice of school boards was represented, including at the 2023 Speech from the Throne and the 2024 Budget address, where ASBA attended as guests of the Minister of Education and the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, alongside colleagues, ministers, MLAs, and member school boards.
Alberta Teachers Profession Commission | Anti-racism | Budget 2024, including the Ministry of Education main estimates | Capital planning, including new schools, modernizations and modulars |
Carbon tax | Career education | Charter schools | Child care spaces |
Classroom complexity | Copyright litigation | Cost of utilities, automobile and property insurance | Disposition of Property Regulation |
Early years assessments | Education property tax | Enrolment challenges | Equitable funding for displaced students, refugee students and refugee claimants |
Funding | Inclusive education standards | Indigenous education | Locally-elected voice in education |
Mental health | Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 20) | National School Food Program | Preserving choice for children and youth |
Provincial Priorities Act (Bill 18) | Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel (Manning Panel Report) | Real Property Governance Act (Bill 13) | Rural internet |
School site allocations | Teacher recruitment and retention | Transportation |
ASBA hosted two Board Chairs engagements with the Ministry of Education. These engagements provided opportunities for meaningful collaboration between the ministry, member boards and their superintendents on solutions-focused ideas for key education priorities.
At the 2023 Fall General Meeting Business Session, ASBA appreciated the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, and the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education, sharing remarks and answering questions from members. Additionally, ASBA hosted its MLA breakfast and provided resources for member boards to engage with a variety of cabinet ministers and MLAs.
As part of ASBA’s 2024 Spring General Meeting, ASBA hosted two insightful panels, providing member school boards with direct engagement opportunities with elected officials, public affairs experts and media professionals.
The Ministerial Panel featured:
The Public Affairs Panel brought together leading experts:
These sessions offered valuable insights into government policies, programs and the broader political landscape in Alberta. By engaging directly with policymakers, pollsters and media professionals, members gained a deeper understanding of the key issues shaping education and what to anticipate in the coming months and years.
