Role of School Boards

There are 62 public, separate and francophone school boards that are elected by and accountable to the communities they serve.

School boards play an important role. Through the School Act, the Government of Alberta delegates much of its authority for the governance of education to locally elected boards.

Some of the decisions made by school boards include:

• Planning for the jurisdiction, setting priorities for the system in light of community wishes, available resources and sound educational practice
• Setting goals for the jurisdiction, ensuring education stays in step with today's world
• Evaluating the School Board Superintendent
• Adopting an annual budget for the school system
• Making policy to guide the administration and employees toward district goals
• Communicating with the community and staff on behalf of the jurisdiction
• Educating others, with a goal of ensuring education is given a high priority by the public and to make the community aware of the jurisdiction's achievements
• Gathering information in order to make sound decisions
• Adjudicating in policy disputes
  (Adapted from the Alberta School Boards Association)

School boards have the responsibility to make decisions regarding the health and safety of their students.  This includes assessing risks and ensuring that the best interests of all their students, teachers, administrators, parents and volunteers are being considered. 

The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has developed resources to help citizens better understand the role of trustees.

Look up schools and school boards by their name or location.