ASBA ensures that member board perspectives inform decisions at every level, strengthening the influence of locally elected trustees on provincial education matters.
Under Strategic Priority Three, the Association advanced member priorities through targeted advocacy and engagement with government and key stakeholders.
Member-adopted position statements continue to guide ASBA’s advocacy, committee work and activities. Developed through discussion and formal voting at General Meetings, these statements reflect the collective voice of member boards on key education matters and provide a clear mandate for the Association’s provincial advocacy.
In 2025, ASBA launched a new public-facing online database, helping keep Albertans informed on the advocacy work undertaken by ASBA and school boards in the best interests of students and local community needs.
View 2024 Fall General Meeting PositionsView 2025 Spring General Meeting Positions
As a non-partisan association, ASBA advocates on behalf of member boards regardless of which political party forms government.
Through regular meetings and engagement with the Minister of Education and Childcare, the Association ensures that member priorities are considered in provincial discussions and decision-making processes. Additionally, ASBA met with the Ministers of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration; Infrastructure; Mental Health and Addiction; Indigenous Relations; and Finance.
ASBA participated in 70 meetings, consultations and formal engagements with government in addition to providing formal input on several key pieces of legislation, including:
Beyond legislation, the Association advanced member priorities across a broad range of education-related policies and priorities including:
2025 Provincial Budget
ASBA participated in the Government of Alberta’s embargoed briefing for Budget 2025 ahead of the public release and attended the Budget Address, engaging with ministers, MLAs, government officials and member board trustees. Following the address, ASBA took part in an education stakeholder session to receive further details.
National School Food Program
ASBA commended the Government of Alberta for signing on to the National School Food Program which will invest over $42 million in federal funding over three years. This investment will support programs providing students with daily, nutritious meals that meet the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth, supplementing Alberta’s existing School Nutrition Program.
Since 2023, ASBA has met with Members of Parliament and Senators, as a member of the Canadian School Boards Association, advocating for national support alongside inter-provincial colleagues. The Association remains committed to working with the Alberta government to ensure the successful implementation of the National School Food Program. Healthy meals make healthy minds
“Alberta School Boards Association extends its sincere thanks to the governments of Canada and Alberta for their commitment to the health and well-being of students through the signing of this agreement. This funding for school food programs will help ensure more children and youth across the province have access to healthier meals essential to learn, grow and succeed in school and life.” — Marilyn Dennis, President, ASBA
Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team
The Alberta government formed an Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team, composed of 25 members including representatives from school boards in Edmonton and Calgary and other education partners. ASBA’s President and Vice-president are members of the team as well as a number of Board Chairs. The action team will develop recommendations for the Minister of Education and Childcare on both immediate and long-term actions to better support students and educators across the province. Taking action to improve classroom safety
“Alberta’s locally elected school boards remain deeply committed to safe, supportive and effective learning environments for all students and staff. Alberta School Boards Association looks forward to collaborating, sharing insights and perspectives to support the diverse needs of students and school communities across the province.” — Marilyn Dennis, President, ASBA
Government Relations and Advocacy for Members
To further strengthen relationships and ensure sustained advocacy, ASBA facilitated three Board Chairs-Ministerial Engagements, welcomed the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, and the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare, at its General Meetings, and hosted an MLA breakfast. In addition, a variety of advocacy toolkits and government relations resources were developed for use by member boards including virtual learning sessions and legislative supports that align with government regulations, policies and priorities.
Board Chairs-Ministerial Engagements
The three Board Chairs–Ministerial Engagements facilitated by ASBA were co-led with the Government of Alberta. This marked a significant expansion of direct dialogue between provincial decision-makers and member boards. These engagements brought together the Minister of Education and Childcare, Board Chairs and Superintendents to engage in solutions-focused ideas on key education priorities. The engagements supported alignment between government and boards and reinforced the role of locally elected trustees as informed partners in advancing student outcomes.
Engagements at General Meetings
At the 2024 Fall General Meeting, ASBA welcomed the Premier of Alberta and the Minister of Education and Childcare. Both delivered remarks and responded to questions from member boards, providing trustees with direct access to provincial leadership. This forum enabled discussion of local priorities, system pressures and potential solutions.
The MLA Breakfast provided an additional opportunity for trustees to engage directly with Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly in a constructive, non-partisan setting. The informal format supported open dialogue, strengthened relationships and reinforced member priorities.
As part of the 2025 Spring General Meeting, ASBA hosted a Public Affairs Event featuring expert analysis of federal and provincial policy developments, the evolving political landscape and emerging considerations for the education sector. Speakers and panelists provided diverse perspectives on government priorities and political trends shaping the months and years ahead, including:
