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, the Association has kicked off the year with vigour. I want to say thank you to everyone who has joined the PSBAA’s Orientation Webinars so far this January. It has been wonderful to see new and familiar faces, and the discussion that has come out of those sessions has been robust, engaging and thought-provoking. I would invite all members to attend the webinars in February. In addition, all January sessions have been recorded and are available in the Member Resources section of the website for you to watch at your leisure.

Taking part in the webinars has reinforced my stance on trusteeship. It’s reaffirmed a clear truth: Trustees are critical in governing our school boards, and our role as an education leader for our public schools and their communities cannot be taken for granted. Though we all come to our boards with varied lived experiences, we are the many voices that must come together with a shared vision for public school education. The future of our students, our communities and our province depends on it.

Understanding that we must always engage in professional development to be effective trustees, we look forward to seeing trustees from member boards at our Public School Boards’ Council (PSBC) event from February 5-6. In addition to PSBC representatives, the event is open to all interested members. As we explore topics important to your role, remember to take what you have learned and bring these insights back to your board table. We also always welcome your feedback in empowering our organization to address your board’s needs.

As I look at what the Association has done in 2025, and what it has in store for members in 2026, I am excited and grateful. The PSBAA strives to reflect the values of our member boards, promoting, elevating and protecting public school education for the benefit of all. Without our members, partners and supporters, the Association would not be what it is today. Each and every one of you plays a vital role in our public school education system. And for that, we say thank you.

Lorraine Stewart, President