From left to right: Dr. Vivian Abboud, CEO; Roy Pogorzelski, IAC Member; Shali Baziuk, Vice-president; Marilyn Dennis, President; Elder Theresa Strawberry, IAC Member; Elder Charlie Fox, IAC Member.
Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) was founded in 1907 and is the only Association representing all Public, Catholic and Francophone school boards in Alberta. For 100+ years, ASBA has supported member school boards and trustees with advice and training in leadership, professional development, governance and advocacy. Providing a balanced viewpoint and advocating on behalf of members to government, the result is unparalleled diversity and choice for Alberta families.
ASBA is committed to responding to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; serving all students in Alberta; and, honouring First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities.
We extend our sincere thanks to Elder Charlie Fox, Blackfoot, Kainai First Nation; Elder Theresa Strawberry, Cree/Saulteaux, O’Chiese First Nation; and, Roy Pogorzelski, Cree/Métis, Flying Dust First Nation, for their wise and generous contributions, advice and support for ASBA.
School boards are governed by trustees who are elected by, and accountable to their communities.
As part of the municipal election, trustees are elected every four years and act as advocates for students, stewards of public funds and bridges between the community and the school division. Trustees work collaboratively as part of a school board, generally comprised of between 5-10 individual trustees, to ensure students receive a high-quality education that reflects the values and needs of their community. Their authority is rooted in the Education Act, which delegates governance powers to school boards, and the Local Authorities Election Act, which regulates trustee elections.
Collectively, school boards are responsible for billions of public funds and represent over 700,000 students in rural, urban and metro communities. Locally, schools are a foundational component of every community. Fiscally, every taxpayer in Alberta is connected to our education system.
Recognizing that Albertans, as taxpayers, have a vested interest in having a high-quality education system, boards advocate to prioritize education and address the growing and complex needs of students.
Collaboration between our member boards, as the voice of their communities, and the provincial government plays a vital role in ensuring the success of all students. When school boards are involved in the decision-making process, a powerful message is sent that community voices matter.
Marilyn Dennis
PRESIDENT
Shali Baziuk
VICE-PRESIDENT, ASBA
Dr. Vivian Abboud
AH KAH POI KAH KII
(MANY CHILDREN CLAN WOMAN)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ASBA
Empower exceptional governance in public, separate and francophone school boards.
Promote and serve member boards in supporting student success.
