What does the PSBAA mean when we say “public school education”?

Public school education does more than educate students – it also acts as a working model of civil society, and thereby helps to create, sustain, and improve our communities. One of our province’s greatest successes is the development of a public education system that is focused on educating and encouraging students to develop into responsible, caring and contributing citizens – building Alberta’s future one student at a time.

Public school education is inclusive, from the classroom to the boardroom to the voting booth, because supporters believe that an inclusive education is best for students and for the community, and an inclusive democratic government for education is best for the community. Public school education is barrier-free. Public school education is respectful of every student, every other worker, and every citizen.

Only public schools provide public education. Only public schools:

• guarantee that every child will have a place in the jurisdiction or in the care of the jurisdiction;
• are governed by a democratic process that is open to every member of the community regardless of religious convictions, racial origin, economic or other circumstances; and
• promote civil democracy in preference to any sectarian perspective as the basis for thriving communities; and, celebrate diversity among students and in our communities by  working with communities, staff and students from different backgrounds, outlooks and experiences.

The Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta is committed to working with our member boards, parents, teachers, administrators, government officials, and the public to ensure that all their talents and strengths continue to benefit public education.