October 18, 2022

Relationships and collaboration a key theme at Fall Conference!

It was an exciting couple of days at our annual Fall Conference and AGM. Last year, we hosted a hybrid event. This year, we were fully back in person, and it was better than ever.

Fall Conference is a wonderful time to reconnect with other trustees and build new relationships.

We acknowledge there is a lot of change this year in K-12 education, and with it comes uncertainty. What will economic and social recovery from the pandemic look like? Will there be provincial budget implications, and how will they affect education funding? What about curriculum implementation, and the agenda of a new Premier?

It is certain that there will be more change in the next 12 months. Still, there is much to celebrate right now – especially the strong relationships and collaboration between public school board trustees.

We are passionate about our work, and about serving our students, families, and school communities.

We are also committed to collaborating positively with ALL trustees – member and non-member public school boards, and public, separate and francophone trustees.

A common thread in all our relationships is how we are all connected, and how much we all have in common. We all have the same goals and the same priorities. We are all committed to doing everything we can to provide the resources and environment that leads to student success.

Recognizing this means we can build positive relationships and collaborate together, while still advocating for public schools in Alberta and the important role they play in uniting communities.

We will continue advocating for adequate resources in the classroom for all students, efficient and effective student transportation, mental health, and an age-appropriate curriculum.

We will strengthen our work with our Indigenous partners in education, and build on truth and reconciliation with all Indigenous Peoples. Education can play such an important role in this effort.

We will continue collaborating with education and community partners, like the Alberta School Councils’ Association and the Project Adult Literacy Society.

When we look back a year from now, we will once again celebrate and appreciate the value of relationships and collaboration, along with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving. There is much that unites us, and we are so privileged to work on behalf of the students, educators, families, and school communities we serve.

Dennis MacNeil
PSBAA President