Message from the President

I have had the honour of serving as President for ASBA’s 61 locally-elected public, separate and francophone member school boards across Alberta, since November of 2021. Alongside our 2021-2022 Board of Directors, it has been an opportunity to reflect, assess and set new benchmarks.

This report showcases the progress of ASBA toward 2020-2023 Strategic Plan goals. In 2022, ASBA’s Board of Directors struck a Governance Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of Association Bylaws and Governance Policies to ensure alignment with current and best practices. We appreciate this work being guided by individuals with knowledge and expertise in governance and policy and look forward to the improvements to come.

An important priority for ASBA continues to be providing a unified voice through our provincial advocacy to government, which is done through regular touch points, meetings and consultations on education priorities and relevant legislation. We appreciated having representation on various government groups over this reporting period to provide input and recommendations, based on member needs and feedback.

ASBA additionally offered a variety of supports and resources to empower connection through learning that supports members effective decision making at the local level. This included the creation of a one-of-a kind Trustee Governance Program developed in conjunction with the University of Calgary Continuing Education. This program results in a certificate, exclusive to member boards and trustees, and allows for collaborative learning.

Another highlight of this reporting period was the announcement of ASBA as host of the 2023 Canadian School Boards Association’s Congress and National Trustee Gathering on Indigenous Education with a theme of Leading the Path Forward. This event will take place in Banff, Alberta, from July 3-5, and will welcome a diverse cross-section of school board trustees, superintendents, administrators and education stakeholders from across the country.

Looking forward, we have a busy year ahead, including providing robust supports to members in the lead-up to, during and after the 2023 provincial election.

I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated Board of Directors, Vice-president, Chief Executive Officer and the entire staff complement for their work in support of our members.

To our members—serving you is a rewarding journey and I look forward to the great work ahead.