Your Board of Trustees joined other public, catholic and francophone school boards for the Alberta School Boards Association’s (ASBA) Fall General Meeting in Edmonton. They met with MLAs and cabinet ministers, voted on position statements to guide the Association’s advocacy efforts with the Province, and took part in professional development sessions.
“The Fall and Spring General Meetings of the ASBA are important events for trustees,” said Board Chair Esther Eckert. “As ASBA is a respected voice with the provincial government, we gather together to network and vote on several policy proposals that are then brought forward to the Province for consideration.”
At the meeting, Black Gold put forward a position statement on dual credit funding that was seconded by the Lethbridge Public School Division.
“We are advocating for the Alberta Government to provide a sufficient, sustainable, and equitable funding structure for Dual Credit programming to support students beyond the first year of program establishment,” said Vice Chair Angie Charpentier. “Currently, funding is only available to start new dual-credit opportunities with post-secondary institutions; however, this does not support existing dual credit programs, nor does it provide ongoing funding for those programs after the first year.”
Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides brought greetings at the event and participated in a question and answer session. “It was a pleasure to also hear from Salma Lakhani, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta,” said Chair Eckert.
The trustees were joined by Leduc-Beaumont MLA Brandon Lunty (above right) at the annual MLA Breakfast. The breakfast is a valuable opportunity for politicians to connect with influential Kindergarten to Grade 12 decision-makers and learn more about issues and challenges facing school boards. MLA Lunty shared his insights with trustees, and they discussed topics of mutual interest around supporting student success.
Trustee Devonna Klaassen (second from the left) was also sworn in as an Director, representing Zone 2/3, for the 2023-2025 term. Directors are elected by fellow trustees – at the zone level – to represent the ASBA at the provincial table and provide balanced viewpoints to government and other stakeholders, and to speak on behalf of all its school boards.
“It is my absolute honour to be sworn in on Monday, and I am excited to contribute to the incredible work of ASBA, supporting the future of education in our province,” said Trustee Klaassen. “As Directors, we represent our zones to bring together the diverse voices of the 61 locally-elected school boards. We also provide learning opportunities on the most current and innovative concepts with regards to leadership, governance, and education to build the capacity of individual trustees and empower exceptional governance.”
“This results in diversity and choice for Alberta families from one of the best education systems in the world.”