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 the positive impacts for students, staff, families and communities. With thoughtful direction and strong fiscal oversight, school boards are best positioned to use the funds to address the realities faced in classrooms. However, this requires a provincial recognition of the autonomy of local school boards and collaboration across government and community systems. With this in mind, the PSBAA will continue to advocate for smart funding and board autonomy on behalf of its members.

Additionally, the PSBAA is committed to informing education partners about the current situation with staff recruitment and retention. With the recent announcement of boards hiring 5,000 teachers and 476 complexity teams, school divisions are doing their best to achieve these numbers. However, hiring teachers and educational assistants is difficult in the current climate. From shortages to geographic challenges, school boards must rely on assistance from its education partners, such as Alberta Education and Childcare, to help divisions strengthen teacher preparation pathways, expand mentorship for new teachers, support retention of experienced educators and ensure workforce planning reflects the needs of Alberta’s diverse communities.

Related to strategic decision-making, the PSBAA is excited to have begun its meetings for its Political Relations Committee and Professional Development Committee. Made up of PSBAA members, representatives from the PSBAA Board of Directors, and Association staff, each committee presents an opportunity for members to have direct input into the direction of the PSBAA.

We also look forward to seeing many PSBAA members at the Public School Boards’ Council (PSBC) event this April. Members will take part in more trustee professional development and have their voices heard during the PSBC meeting. The Association is pleased to feature several of its consultants as speakers at the event, including Darrel Robertson, Sandy McDonald and Brian Callaghan. Members may recognize these individuals after having worked with them at the Board level or from the Association’s recent trustee orientation webinars.

We’d like to take a moment to thank all those that attended and shared out the Association’s Backpack Full of Cash screenings this March. Once again, the events had a great turnout and positive reception. Attendees discussed what the documentary’s message means to an Alberta context—the verdict: well-funded public schools increase student success. And since public schools serve the majority of Alberta’s students, more success, means a stronger province for all.

As always, the PSBAA is here to promote, elevate and protect public school education. If you have a success story, a pressing issue or clarifying question, reach out to the Association’s office at communications@public-schools.ab.ca. We’d be more than happy to assist.

Lorraine Stewart, President