About PSBAA

Who we are

The Public School Boards' Association of Alberta is the only association representing and advocating for Alberta's public school boards and public school education in Alberta.

We believe that, by advocating for public school education, we are helping the children in our communities gain access to opportunity and options within their public school system.

We are passionately dedicated to the success of our youth and to Alberta's next generation of leaders.

Objects of the Association

    • To promote and enhance the public school systems to meet the needs of our students; and
    • To lobby on behalf of public school boards through direct access to government; and
    • To identify and seek resolution of issues fundamental and specific to the public school system; and
    • To maintain relationships with educational organizations and associations.

Belief Statements

Whereas in Alberta, provincial funding is provided for the public, separate, francophone, charter, home, and private school systems: and

Whereas public schools serve the majority of students in Alberta;

Therefore, we believe the following:

    • Public schools are the first choice of our communities. We believe all children can learn and live the values of democracy together, reflecting our hope and shaping the future of our communities.
    • Public schools are intended to be the first school built in any new community.
    • Public schools are governed by democratically elected trustees, accountable to communities and the province.
    • Public schools offer world-class education through innovation, diversity, and equitable learning experiences.
    • Public schools nurture each student's education and well-being within a supportive learning community.
    • Public schools support cooperation and collaboration among all provincially-funded school systems, to best serve all students.
    • Public schools most closely reflect, embody, embrace, and promote the diversity within today's Alberta.

Foundation Statement

As members of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta, we believe public schools are the first choice of our communities, where all our children learn and live the values of democracy together, reflecting our hope and shaping the future of our communities.

Mission

We champion inclusive Public Education with locally elected School Boards who are dedicated to student success.

Vision

Public Schools are the first choice of our communities where all of our children learn and live the values of democracy together reflecting our hope and shaping the future of our communities.

Values

  • Integrity:  Our actions are consistent with our values
  • Leadership:  Listening, learning, and inspiring in order to educate and advocate for public education
  • Collaboration:  Respectful consultation and communication with stakeholders to achieve shared goals
  • Innovation:  Boldly pursuing opportunities to meet the challenges of tomorrow
  • Stewardship:  Responsible guardianship of public education
  • Influence:  Positively impacting the direction of public education

Our Members work with Alberta’s communities and partners to promote:

  • Public education as the heart of every community;
  • High standards for Alberta’s public schools because our schools are a great place for students to discover, nurture and realize their dreams;
  • Support for Alberta’s public schools as a place where everyone is welcomed.

For our Members, public education is:

  • Inclusive from the classroom to board room to the voting stations;
  • Best for students and for the community;
  • Respectful of every student, every worker, and every citizen;
  • Governed by a democratic process open to every member of the community regardless of religious convictions, racial origin, economic or other circumstances;
  • Celebrates diversity among students and in our communities by working with communities, staff, and students from different backgrounds, outlooks, and experiences.

 

We are the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA)

  1. Amongst the SIX systems, which are provincially-funded systems in the province, it is only public schools that are truly public and truly accessible to all students, regardless of faith, background, geographic location, or ability.
  2. Locally-elected public school board trustees decide how to allocate their jurisdiction’s share of more than $8.3 billion in yearly provincial funding for K-12 education. The only requirement to run for a public school board is that they reside within that school division, as specified by the Education Act.
  3. We are proud to offer a plethora of programs throughout our public school divisions across the province. Unlike any other system, we also offer many different faith-based programs of choice based on the expressed needs of our communities.

Public schools are a true reflection of Alberta society, with the same diversity and inclusiveness.