As Alberta approaches its next municipal election on October 20, 2025, it is vital for citizens—especially parents, grandparents and engaged community members—to actively participate in the school trustee elections. Despite often being overlooked, school board trustees play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of Alberta’s children and youth. Their work directly influences school policies, educational priorities, budgeting decisions and community engagement. In essence, the decisions made by elected trustees reverberate throughout our classrooms and impact the future of public education.

School board trustees are responsible for setting long-term goals for their school divisions. They create and oversee the implementation of policies that govern the operation of schools, approve and monitor substantial budgets, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and serve as advocates for their communities. Trustees act as a bridge between the school system and the public—particularly parents—ensuring that education remains responsive, transparent and equitable. They are also subject to public scrutiny and are held accountable through regular elections and community engagement.

School boards in Alberta are responsible for governing nearly $7.5 billion in operational funding and serve more than 650,000 students and 80,000 educators, including teachers, principals and support staff. These figures illustrate the scope and influence of trustee decisions on the education system. Trustees guide how public funds are allocated, support inclusive practices, and champion educational excellence and equity in their communities. When trustee positions are consistently filled by acclamation or when voter engagement is low, the democratic foundation of school governance is weakened, and integral community oversight can be lost.

Despite the significant responsibility entrusted to school board trustees, many Albertans remain disengaged from this electoral process. In past elections in Alberta, numerous trustee positions were filled by acclamation and this, in combination with low voter turnout and minimal candidate engagement, threatens the democratic integrity of public education governance. Without contested elections and active participation, the system becomes vulnerable to inefficiencies, lack of representation and diminished accountability. Nova Scotia’s experience offers a cautionary tale.

In 2018, the Nova Scotia government restructured its public education system, dissolving elected school boards and replacing them with a single provincial education authority divided into regional zones. While the restructuring was intended to streamline administration, it also eliminated local representation in education decision making. By 2023, concerns began to surface about the lack of local voices and perspectives in provincial educational policy. In response, Nova Scotia is now exploring ways to reintroduce mechanisms for community input, including the potential return of elected school boards. This case study underscores the importance of maintaining local democratic structures in education—once removed, they are difficult to reinstate even though they are vital.

So, what can parents do to support and strengthen the democratic process in school board elections?

Even if parents do not run for school trustee positions themselves, there are numerous ways to get involved and make an impact:

1. Learn about the candidates.
   Parents can begin by informing themselves about who is running in their local ward or electoral division. This includes reviewing candidates’ platforms, educational values and prior experience. Understanding where each candidate stands on key issues such as class size, curriculum development, school funding and inclusive education is critical.
2. Attend forums and ask questions.
   Candidate forums, school council meetings and public events offer opportunities to hear directly from those seeking election. Parents are encouraged to attend these events, ask questions about candidates’ priorities and share their perspectives on what matters most in their local schools.
3. Engage others in the process.
   Talk to neighbours, family members and fellow parents about the upcoming election. Sharing information and encouraging others to vote helps build awareness and supports a stronger, more representative outcome at the polls.
4. Use online resources.
   The Alberta Teachers’ Association hosts a website—Vote4Kids—which provides up-to-date information on school board elections, candidate profiles and key issues facing public education. The site is a valuable tool for staying informed and making educated decisions at the ballot box.

School board trustee elections are about more than just filling positions—they are about preserving and strengthening the democratic voice in public education. By participating in the electoral process, citizens help ensure that the education system remains accountable, equitable and aligned with the values of the communities it serves. The 2025 elections offer Albertans a chance to stand up for public education, support local governance and vote for candidates who will put students and public education first.