News release

School board trustees come together for Alberta School Boards Association’s (ASBA) first virtual Spring General Meeting

School board trustees voted on and passed the 2020-2021 ASBA Budget and resolutions related to mental health support, funding for school divisions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and support for French language teacher preparation in Alberta.

June 3, 2020, Edmonton, AB — School board trustees representing the 61 locally-elected public, catholic and francophone Alberta school boards attended Alberta School Boards Association’s (ASBA) first virtual Spring General Meeting (SGM) on Monday, June 1. Also in attendance for a portion of the meeting was the Minister of Education, the Honourable Adriana LaGrange. Minister LaGrange brought opening remarks to member trustees.

“I’m appreciative of Minister LaGrange addressing our member school board trustees at our first-ever virtual Spring General Meeting. As we have some concerns with the proposed changes in Bill 15, the Choice in Education Act, we were pleased to hear the Minister ensure a collaborative approach with ASBA and school boards, including an opportunity for feedback on the associated regulations. We look forward to continue working with government to ensure member voices are brought to the table.”

Lorrie Jess, President, ASBA

 

At the SGM 2020, school board trustees voted on and passed:

  • The ASBA 2020-2021 Budget as presented, which includes a 3% decrease in membership fees and a 50% decrease in event registration for members, while still providing high-quality services to boards.
  • Resolutions related to:
    • Dedicated support for accredited mental health professionals and facilities to address the significant, increased mental health impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Full funding for school divisions for all additional expenses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic provincial government protocols.
    • That Advanced Education support French language teacher preparation in Alberta to ensure sustainability of our French Immersion and Francophone programs.

 

“We have been very actively engaged on a number of initiatives over the past few months, including choice in education and the School Re-Entry Plan. We look forward to continuing this great work that highlights the importance of our locally-elected trustees as representatives of their communities.”

Trina Boymook, Vice-President, ASBA

“ASBA had a very successful virtual Spring General Meeting with our school board trustees. We have made it a priority to continue to raise the profile of school trustees and highlight the outstanding work that each of our members do individually and collectively. Our school trustees are critical in improving the education system and represent the democratic voice of all communities.”

Dr. Vivian Abboud, CEO, ASBA

In ASBA’s 113-year history, this is the first time a general meeting has been held virtually. Last year, ASBA co-hosted the first-ever Provincial Youth Mental Health Summit which ran concurrently with the SGM 2019. This event supported an important dialogue about the stigma associated with mental health in school communities. While this event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ASBA anticipates hosting this event in the upcoming fall in accordance with Alberta Health Services guidelines.

 

The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) serves Alberta’s 61 locally-elected public, catholic and francophone school boards. For more information visit, asba.ab.ca.

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