March 31, 2026
Increased Funding Must Be Paired with Strategic Direction and Decisions
It’s been another busy month for the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA). Regarding Budget 2026, the Government of Alberta’s increase to $10.8 billion for K–12 education funding is welcome and appreciated. This is a meaningful investment in Alberta’s students and in the long-term strength of our province. For school divisions—and those that lead them—such an investment calls on us to use the funds strategically and effectively to maximize…
February 27, 2026
Our Conversations Now Will Affect Our Province’s Future
Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to once again extend our deepest condolences for the tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. We are keeping all those impacted in our hearts and thoughts as they navigate this unimaginable loss in their community. For us as leaders for our school divisions and in our communities, a traumatic event like this acts as a reminder to review…
January 30, 2026
Not Optional: Trustees are Critical in Governing Alberta’s Public School Boards
January has no doubt been a busy month for school divisions across the province, and the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA) is no exception. With the start of the new year, boards are halfway through to the finish line of the 2025-26 school year. So much work has been done, but the new year presents an opportunity to reach greater heights for student achievement and well-being. This 2026,…
November 28, 2025
A new path we walk together
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our members for your support as I undertake my role as the new PSBAA President. As our outgoing President has said, the future is filled with opportunity, and I am excited to explore all the ways our Association can continue championing public school education. I know the PSBAA already has some amazing opportunities coming up for our member boards. At the…
October 31, 2025
Welcoming New and Returning Trustees to the Board Table
The results are in, and now communities will see new and returning trustees step up to their role and responsibilities on public school boards across the province. I can’t understate how proud I am of all our member boards and how excited I am to see the impact we’ll make this next four years. However, I must temper my enthusiasm with a difficult reality—the threat to the existence of school…
October 1, 2025
On the Brink of Change: Muncipal Elections on the Horizon
It’s official. We have just 20 days left until the Municipal Election on Oct. 20, 2025. For many boards across the province, we’re on the brink of substantial change—welcoming several new trustees into our boardrooms. And for trustees who have been with their school divisions for many years—like myself—it’s our responsibility to provide guidance and onboard these individuals in how boards govern public school education. But now we also find…
August 29, 2025
A New School Year Means a New Opportunity for Public School Board Trustees
As we begin the 2025-26 school year, I’d like to acknowledge the levels of uncertainty we face at the time of writing this message. From a potential teacher strike to the upcoming Municipal Election, there are many concerns for our communities about how these events will affect student success. But with such unprecedented times comes opportunity. Now, more than ever, we need to stand unified in protecting, elevating and promoting…
June 30, 2025
A Year of Commitment and Advocacy for Alberta’s Public Schools
As we reflect on the 2024–25 school year, I want to express deep gratitude to our public school trustees, educators, staff, students and families. Together, we’ve navigated another year marked by rapid change, growing complexity and continued demand on our public education system. Your commitment and resilience are the foundation of Alberta’s public schools. We acknowledge the Alberta government’s increased investment in education this year. These funds are a welcome…
May 30, 2025
Why Words Matter: Protecting the Integrity of Public Education
With the recent amendments to Bill 51, I wanted to address the importance of terminology and renaming. It’s important to note that with any terminology, there is a strategy behind the language used by government and policy makers to describe our education system. A recent shift in the wording, quietly changing “private schools” to “independent schools,” may seem minor on the surface, but as those committed to public education, we…
April 30, 2025
The Power of Persistence
As public school board trustees, we know that advocacy is not just part of the job—it’s at the heart of what we do. We stand up for students, families, staff, and communities. We speak out when decisions impact the future of public education. But let’s be honest: advocacy can be exhausting. When progress feels slow or when our voices seem unheard, it’s easy to wonder if we’re really making a…