Election Day is Monday, October 20, 2025Albertans vote for their school board trustees as part of the municipal elections. |
Election Day is Monday, October 20, 2025
Albertans vote for their school board trustees as part of the municipal elections.
 Impact of Trustees and School BoardsLearn how trustees and school boards shape the direction of education in Alberta. |
 Becoming a TrusteeLearn about trusteeship and access key information in the Guide for School Board Trustees. |
 Running Your CampaignLearn how to run your trustee campaign and access resources in the Campaign Toolkit. |
 Role of Alberta School Boards AssociationLearn how the Alberta School Boards Association supports its member school boards and trustees. |
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Impact of Trustees and School BoardsPublic, catholic and francophone school boards are crucial decision-making bodies that support the success of students across Alberta. Trustees are locally-elected representatives serving on these school boards, each playing a critical role in shaping the future of public education. |
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Facts: Locally-Elected School Boards |
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Video: What Does a School Board Trustee Do?
Facts: Locally-Elected School Boards
 Governed by trustees who are elected by, and accountable to, their communities including parents/guardians. |
Offer a wide range of program choices including internationally recognized options. |
Collectively manage more than $7 billion in public funds. |
Prioritize fiscal prudence and maintain transparency to ensure public funds are used effectively. |
Support the success of more than 700,000 students. |
Welcome all students, regardless of background or circumstance. |
Promote public education as key to a strong democracy. |
Make local decisions that better reflect community needs. |
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Becoming a TrusteeTrustee leadership begins with a passion for public education and a commitment to the success of Alberta’s students regardless of background or circumstance. Whether you bring experience in education, business, parenting, volunteering or community leadership, you can help shape the future of our schools. |
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Download: School Board Trustee Guide (EN/FR) |
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Video: Why Run for School Board Trustee?
| Download the Guide for School Board Trustees (EN) | Télécharger le guide à l'intention des conseillers scolaires (FR) |
Eligibility Overview
Before running for trustee, make sure you meet the following requirements outlined in the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and Education Act.
Voter EligibilityYou must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and eligible to vote. |
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ResidencyYou must live within the school division. You don’t need to live in a specific ward but must reside in the division. |
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Faith-Based or Francophone BoardsSome faith-based and francophone school boards have additional eligibility requirements. Contact ASBA or the board directly to confirm. |
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Ineligibility/DisqualificationsYou may be ineligible if you:
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Nomination Process Overview
Candidates who wish to run for trustee must complete the nomination process. Contact your local school board directly to confirm specific requirements, such as forms, signatures, nomination deposit or criminal record check.
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Step 1: Complete the required nomination formsEach school board or municipal elections authority will have their own set of forms and requirements for you to complete. Standard across the province, candidates will have to complete the required forms below. |
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Step 2: Secure signatures
Secure signatures from at least five eligible electors who reside within the school board’s jurisdiction (or more, if the board has passed a bylaw requiring additional signatures). |
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Step 3: Submit formsSubmit the forms in person to the returning officer at the school board office, along with any required nomination deposit (if applicable). |
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Step 4: Criminal record check (as applicable)Submit a current criminal record check, if the school board has passed a bylaw requiring one. |
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Running Your CampaignRunning for trustee is a meaningful step toward shaping the future of public education in your community. To support your journey, ASBA has developed a Campaign Toolkit with practical, easy-to-use resources designed to help you get started and stay organized at every stage. |
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Download: Campaign Toolkit |
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Video: Running for School Board Trustee?
Download: Campaign Toolkit
Below are customizable templates and resources available to support your campaign journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common questions about running for trustee. |
Campaign Checklist A step-by-step guide to ensure you’re on track. |
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Campaign Budget Template Helps plan and manage your campaign finances. |
Campaign Scheduler Template Stay organized with this campaign planning tool. |
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Supporter Communications and Correspondence Template Pre-drafted messages to connect with your supporters. |
Campaign Website Copy Template Ready-to-use website content to promote your campaign. |
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Volunteer Signup Sheet Template Makes it easy to recruit and organize volunteers. |
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Role of Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA)ASBA is the only Association representing all locally-elected public, catholic and francophone school boards in Alberta. For 100+ years, ASBA has supported member 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. |
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Questions? Contact Us |
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Video: The Value of ASBA and Trusteeship
Together, our membership represents choice in one of the best education systems in the world, designed with each unique region in mind.
Advocacy is a critical component of ASBA’s work to foster positive relationships with government and ensure the voice of members is heard and reflected in all education priorities.