ASBA Fall General Meeting 2021 resolutions

Edmonton, AB — Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) held its Fall General Meeting (FGM) on November 14-16, 2021. The three-day event included an awards celebration, FGM business session, MLA gathering and professional development sessions. During the business session, trustees voted on and passed several resolutions.

Fall General Meeting 2021 position statements

Internet for all 

That, the assembly adopt the position that internet access is essential to Alberta students, staff, and families for participation not only in public education, but also in society, and should be accessible and affordable for all; furthermore, that ASBA advocate to the federal and provincial governments on behalf of all Alberta school divisions for immediate initiatives to increase accessibility and quality and to reduce costs of internet for students, staff, and families.

Ministerial approval for transfers from accumulated surplus 

That, the assembly adopt the position that the Alberta Government remove the requirement of ministerial approval for the transfer of accumulated surplus funds so as to support School Board Trustees in their local decision-making autonomy.

Environmental education  

That, the assembly adopt the position that the Alberta School Board Association support and advocate to the Minister of Education that environmental literacy and competencies be integrated, across all grades and subjects, into the Alberta K-12 curriculum.

Inflationary pressure on contracted bus operators  

That, the assembly adopt the position that Alberta School Boards Association advocate to the Government of Alberta for an immediate increase in Alberta Education Transportation funding, with assurance that this increase will not negatively impact any other funding, to offset the significantly rising school bus insurance costs.

K-6 draft curriculum revisions  

That, the ASBA advocate to the provincial government that recommended stakeholder revisions to the curriculum be included and released in a second draft in the Spring of 2022, be piloted, field tested and reviewed by stakeholder groups for two years;

• Be it further resolved that, this feedback will include robust engagement with teachers, curriculum experts, subject area experts, parents, Indigenous leaders, francophone leaders, and other key stakeholders including the business community. The feedback gathered will also help inform the phased implementation of the new curriculum beginning in September 2024.

Member-supported position statements guide ASBA’s approach in addressing issues that affect our members.

Media inquiries:
Katy Campbell
Director of Communications, ASBA
780.451.7137 | kcampbell@asba.ab.ca