Municipal Elections 2021
Post-election resources
Following the municipal election, ASBA will be offering a robust onboarding and orientation for all trustees, with specific sessions for new Trustees, Board Chairs and Zone Chairs. ASBA is eager to support our new and returning members over the 2021-2025 term. Below is information about resources and upcoming events for new and returning trustees.
All Trustees
Trustee orientation session – full day
All trustees are invited to attend a full-day Orientation Session on November 9, 2021. This onboarding session will provide information regarding the role of the trustee and board, fiduciary responsibility, overview of ASBA and its work in supporting members and information, about a wealth of online learning resources and learning opportunities.
There will be an additional Speakers’ Corner session in December with a confirmed date to come
Fall General Meeting (FGM)
ASBA Fall General Meeting will take place on November 14-16, 2021, at the Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre. This is scheduled to be our first hybrid general meeting, with opportunities for both virtual and in-person attendance. This three-day event will include an awards celebration, Business Session, Professional Development Sessions, networking opportunities and more! For additional information on this event, including ticket and accommodation information, please visit this page.
Board Chairs
Orientation session
Board Chairs are invited to attend an Orientation Session on November 26, 2021. This session will include information regarding:
- The role of the Board Chair
- HR considerations in working with the superintendent
- A panel of experienced board chairs
- A mentorship plan
- And, a learning resource to support understanding of the role of the board chair
Additional information will be sent as it comes available.
Zone Chairs
Orientation session
Zone chairs are invited to attend an Orientation Session on December 2 2021. This session will include information regarding:
- The role of the Zone Chair
- A Panel of experienced Board Chairs to answer questions you may have
- And, a handbook to support understanding of the role of the zone chair
Additional information will be sent as it comes available.
The Learning Centre
As a membership-driven organization, ASBA values ensuring member trustees have access to professional development, supports and resources whenever and wherever it is required. The Learning Centre (TLC) is an online learning environment, where members can access exclusive training and information anytime, anywhere and from any device, focused on effective governance and understanding of the education system.
TLC resources include reports, podcasts, presentations, videos and articles – whether you are a new or returning trustee, you are sure to find value in this resource.
Consulting supports for boards
ASBA is also offering boards the opportunity to have an experienced consultant provide individual board orientation sessions specific to a local board with a more in-depth orientation and understanding of board policy and expectations for the role of the board.
This would be an excellent opportunity to dedicate time with your new Board of Trustees following the recent election.
Boards are encouraged to book post-election orientation sessions as soon as possible to ensure your choice of date and consultant. Workshops come in half-day, full-day, or multi-day sessions to position boards with the foundational background necessary for a successful start to their four-year term of office.
What’s included?
The workshop will focus on:
- Processes for team development, trust and teamwork for effectiveness;
- Boards’ current policies to enhance the functionality of the board with an emphasis on utilizing the roles of the board, individual trustees, the board chair, the vice chair and the superintendent;
- Role of committees and representatives;
- Code of conduct and related sanctions;
- Board and Superintendent relationship; and,
- Overview of governance leadership.
To book your session, or for more information, please contact Steven Langer, Chief Officer Education Services at: slanger@asba.ab.ca or 780-451-7128.
Election day is Monday, October 18, 2021
Albertans vote for their school board trustees as part of the municipal general elections. A general election takes place every four years.
Printable Resources
ASBA continues to develop resources and supports for school boards and trustee candidates for the upcoming municipal election. These resources are designed to help boards connect with candidates and voters.
Local Voices, Local Choices Button: Encourage community engagement by wearing this button to start conversations and inspire electors to vote on election day.
Local Voices, Local Choices Brochure: Support new trustee candidates with this informative brochure that overviews the role of a school board trustee and what they can expect in this new role.
#TakeThePledge Postcard: Every Albertan is impacted by our education system. This postcard highlights the value of voting and directs electors to ASBA’s #TakethePledge webpage to share their reasons for voting.
Elector Infographic: This infographic overviews everything electors need to know ahead of election day to enable them to cast their vote for their local school board trustees on October 18.
Click here to watch ASBA's municipal elections video series and learn more about what inspires school board trustees, their critical role in the education system and how they ensure student success.
Click here to watch the videosTake the Pledge today to vote for your school board trustee/s as part of the municipal general elections. Support local voices for local choices by voting for your community’s public, catholic or francophone school board trustees on October 18, 2021.
Click here to #TakeThePledgeFind your school board trustee and get their contact information.
Click hereWhat do Alberta School Boards do?
In Alberta, citizens elect school boards to act for the legislature in their local schools and communities. School boards exist because of the belief that government – and decisions – made closest to the people being governed are the most effective.
School boards are advocates for Alberta’s children – assessing educational policies to support what is best for the development of the whole child.
School boards are champions for education – keeping the positive image of schools before the community to ensure that education is given a high priority and the school community is aware of school authorities’ accomplishments.
School boards are partners in education– working with and being the voice of parents and public community members to ensure the best education possible for all children, everywhere in Alberta.
School boards are strategic governors– setting strategic priorities in light of community expectations, available resources, needs of students, and sound educational practice.
School boards are political officials– reporting to the public electorate through the democratic process, school boards are a government entity charged with the responsibility to govern the affairs of the school authority under the Education Act.
School boards are evaluators– ensuring policies and practices are effective; ensuring effective management of resources; overseeing the effectiveness of leadership; ensuring policies are implemented in a fair and just manner and effective in achieving intended results for students.
School boards are communicators– interacting with the many groups and people who have a stake in K-12 education.
School boards are policy makers– developing policies that guide the administration and other employees in achieving the School Board’s goals for student success and wellness.
School boards are financial planners– ensuring transparency to the public for the dollars spent in the school authority and the results for public investment, in addressing the needs of students and the wants of the community.
School boards are legislators– setting local policy to meet local contextual needs and help drive public policy changes at the provincial level.
School boards are lobbyists– communicating with all orders of government to make sure that local voices are heard by those who have the power to keep education needs high on the list of priorities.
School boards are a bridge– connecting with the community and sharing information of the school authority, the provincial government, and the public.
School boards make a difference– caring about the needs of children today and for the future; school boards provide important oversight into the education system ensuring parents’ voices, students’ needs and school community thinking, remain at the forefront in our education system.
ASBA has developed materials and compiled forms, regulations and resources for school board trustee candidates to assist in planning a successful campaign.
Click here to learn more2021 Municipal Election Timeline
- Dec. 31, 2020: Deadline to pass a bylaw to specify minimum number of electors to sign nomination of a candidate for office, deadline to establish one or more locations where nominations can be received.
- Jan. 1, 2021: Nomination Period Opens.
- May 1, 2021: Start of “election advertising period” in which local jurisdictions must maintain a register of third parties who engage in election advertising.
- June 30, 2021: Deadline for municipalities/divisions to appoint Returning Officers, deadline to pass a bylaw allowing RO to designate more than one voting station for each subdivision.
- July 1, 2021: Earliest date a municipal/school employee wishing to be nominated may notify the employer that they are taking a leave of absence.
- Sept. 20, 2021 at 12 pm: Nomination Period Closes.
- Sept. 21, 2021 until 12 pm: Candidate may withdraw their nomination in writing, in person.
- Oct. 16, 2021: Last Date to hold and advanced vote if applicable.
- Oct. 18, 2021: Election Day.
- Oct. 20, 2021 until 4 pm: Deadline to Receive a request for a recount.
- Oct. 22, 2021: Recounts must be complete.
- Nov. 6, 2021: Last day for an elector to request a judicial recount.