The stakes have never been higher

On October 20, 2025, Albertans will cast their votes in municipal and school board elections. For teachers, this isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s a defining moment. Across 61 school boards, Albertans will elect trustees to steward the future of public education in the province. And make no mistake: the stakes have never been higher.

We are witnessing a pivotal shift in the discourse around education. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has called on teachers to “shoulder tap” potential trustee candidates — people who believe in inclusive, well-funded and equitable public education for every child. This isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a call to action. Because while we advocate for students, others are mobilizing too.

John Hilton-O’Brien, leader of Parents for Choice in Education, is actively recruiting trustee candidates focused on “parental rights.” His organization has targeted sexual health education and successfully pushed a ministerial order that removed or restricted numerous books from school libraries. These actions must not be diminished — they impact the intellectual freedom and access to information for all students.

School board trustees are not ceremonial figures. They oversee operations, set priorities and manage over $6 billion in public education funding. They decide what gets funded, what gets cut, and whose voices are heard. This year, those decisions will be made against a backdrop of overcrowded classrooms, staffing shortages, curriculum upheaval and widening gaps in inclusion support.

These aren’t abstract problems. They are the daily realities we face in our classrooms. And they demand trustees who understand the complexity of teaching, the diversity of student needs and the urgency of investing in public education, not dismantling it.

To support informed voting, the ATA has launched Vote4Kids.ca, a platform where candidates can share their views, and voters can explore the most pressing issues in education. It’s a resource designed for engagement, not just awareness. Use it. Share it. Challenge candidates to speak clearly and boldly about their vision for Alberta’s schools.

Nominations for trustee candidates close on September 22, 2025. That means there’s still time to act. Ask your neighbour. Tap a retired colleague on the shoulder. Encourage your spouse. We need thoughtful, courageous people who will stand up for students, for teachers and for the integrity of public education.

This election is not just about governance—it’s about values. It’s about whether we believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a rich, inclusive and empowering education. It’s about whether we, as teachers, will rise to meet this moment.

So, head to the ATA website and download the Trustee Handbook (available at abteach.cc/trusteehandbook). Read it. Share it. Use it to guide conversations and inspire action. Because the decisions Albertans make on October 20 will echo through our classrooms for years to come. Let’s make sure those echoes reflect our commitment, our passion and our unwavering belief in a great public education for all. 

I welcome your comments. Contact me at kristine.wilkinson@ata.ab.ca.