In September 2020, ASBA’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan took effect. This plan was developed with the goal of creating a meaningful and approachable document that represents all ASBA members. The priorities outlined in the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan guided ASBA’s work throughout this reporting period. ASBA continued to foster relationships with all levels of government and advocate on behalf of members. ASBA also provided numerous opportunities to speak directly to government by facilitating sessions with the Minister of Education and ministry staff at General Meetings, zone meetings and Board Chair meetings.
Safety and success of communities
ASBA advocated extensively to support safe school re-entry during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. ASBA worked closely with the Government of Alberta on the School Re-Entry Plan to ensure the voices of school boards and their communities were heard. This advocacy continued throughout the year on the challenges and successes school boards experienced.
Advocacy Committee
At the direction of ASBA’s Board of Directors, the Advocacy Committee worked hard on advocacy initiatives regarding various government legislation and emergent items. This includes hold harmless; indemnification; unaccounted-for students; assurance framework; charter schools; pandemic recovery; mental health supports; the provincial budget; The Recall Act; and, College of Alberta School Superintendents Act.
students in kindergarten to Grade 12 across Alberta for 2020-21 school year
Government legislation and priorities
ASBA advocated on government legislation and priorities including the assurance framework; charter schools; municipal elections; pandemic recovery; Recall Act; Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2021; Student Transportation Task Force; provincial budget; curriculum review; attendance boards; Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC); mental health supports; indemnification; hold harmless; and, standards for inclusive education.
Special General Meeting
In September 2020, ASBA held a Special General Meeting to receive feedback from members on potential professional legislation for the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS). Following direction from our members, ASBA collaborated with CASS and the ministry on the College of Alberta School Superintendents Act and regulations. Local board autonomy, governance roles and authority of school boards were at the forefront of these discussions.
Draft K-6 curriculum
Since the release of government’s draft Kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) curriculum in spring of 2021, ASBA continued to play a critical role in ensuring the unique perspectives of members are represented. While school board trustees may not be curriculum content experts, each has a responsibility to ensure the voices of their local communities are reflected in all that they do.
Positioned for governance success
ASBA engaged in a comprehensive governance review at the guidance of both the Board of Directors and PDAC. This review prepares the Association to engage in continuous improvement regarding its governance practices. The completion of the governance review supports ASBA’s vision by adhering to leading edge best practices when it comes to efficient and effective governance procedures.