Strengthening Governance
Throughout the year, ASBA strengthened governance by providing diverse professional development and learning opportunities, and consulting services for member boards.
ASBA supports trustees by providing accessible, relevant and timely professional development and learning that strengthens board effectiveness and leadership.
Under Strategic Priority One, the Association delivered 95 opportunities spanning both emerging issues and core responsibilities of school boards and locally elected trustees.
Strategic Priority Goals
Goal 1: Provide professional development and learning resources for trustees
Goal 2: Provide consulting services and support for school boards
In-Person Professional Development
The 2024 Fall General Meeting (FGM) and 2025 Spring General Meeting (SGM) brought member board trustees together for focused in-person learning and dialogue on issues central to board oversight and system leadership.
Led by subject-matter experts, the program included Keynote sessions featuring world-renowned thought leaders and provided structured opportunities for reflection, peer exchange and capacity-building.
David Allison, a human behaviour expert, presented The Superhuman Antidote to Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscoring the importance of human judgment, empathy and connection as technology advances. Estelle Métayer, a competitive and strategic intelligence expert, delivered Polycrisis: Navigating the Collision of Global Threats, examining how interconnected political, economic, environmental and societal pressures are contributing to sustained global instability.
Complementary breakout sessions provided applied learning on:
- Effective and sustainable board decision-making
- Practical application of ASBA’s AI policy guidance and responsible AI use
- Trustee communication strategies for election readiness and public engagement
- Maintaining objectivity in decision-making
- Building trust through clear, strategic communication
- Governance approaches that strengthen community impact and resilience
95%
overall satisfaction with the 2024 Fall General Meeting
92%
overall satisfaction with the 2025 Spring General Meeting
Virtual Learning and On-Demand Resources
In addition to in-person professional development, ASBA delivered a series of virtual learning sessions offered over the lunch hour and in the evenings, providing flexible access for trustees throughout the year. These sessions addressed timely legislative, political and sector-specific issues, enabling trustees to stay informed and responsive in a dynamic environment.
Key topics included:
- Artificial Intelligence in K-12 education governance
- Legislation, regulations and policies
- Trustee elections
- Alberta and federal politics
- Municipal election campaign insights and considerations
- Culturally responsive governance
- Board dynamics and effective governance relationships
- Fostering safe and healthy work and learning environments
LearnASBA, a member-exclusive online learning platform, further expanded access to professional development through self-paced modules available year-round including modules on AI, Truth and Reconciliation, and external committee and board orientation. Member board trustees also had access to a suite of digital and printable resources, providing practical and accessible tools.
Consulting Services
ASBA provided a comprehensive suite of consulting services to support member boards in areas including recruitment, evaluations, reviews and facilitated workshops.
ASBA’s Education Consultants worked directly with boards to develop customized service plans, available in both English and French. Drawing on extensive sector experience and national networks, consultants delivered tailored guidance aligned to local priorities and strengthened board effectiveness and accountability. To promote equitable access across the province, ASBA absorbed costs related to travel, accommodation, meals and administrative support. This approach ensured that all member boards, regardless of geographic location, could access high-quality professional services.
“Excellent! Truly valued the willingness to walk along side us and the background of the consultant with a deep understanding of the complexities of the work. Great job of hitting on the characteristics of high impact boards.” — Member board service feedback
Karl Germann, Education Consultant
Terry Gunderson, Education Consultant
Dr. Rita Marler, Education Consultant
Robert Martin, Education Consultant