Teachers run for school board trustee positions

This fall, Albertans will elect trustees to the province’s 61 public, separate and francophone school boards. Among the candidates are current and former members of the teaching profession.

Teachers running in the 2025 school board trustee election were invited to share their name, photo, brief platform statement and the school board for which they are running. The invitation applied to active Association members in good standing, Association life members and other members who have maintained the highest level of membership available to them.

Five submissions were received by the deadline and are highlighted here. Additional information on the trustee election, including platforms from candidates and voting details, is available on vote4kids.ca. Voting takes place on Monday, October 20.

Ray Buziak
Grande Prairie Public School Division

We need harmony and collaboration in our school communities. Chronic underfunding erodes harmony and leads to tension, anxiety and labour disruptions. We need increased base grants and equitable funding so we can restore harmony by better supporting our teachers, staff and students. I will continue to work to enhance public education. 

Leah Floyd 
Elk Island Public Schools

I am running because I care deeply about public education. With more than 20 years of classroom experience and as a parent with children in EIPS, I bring a balanced perspective focused on creating supportive schools, engaged communities and bright futures for students.

Shawn Haggarty
Greater St. Albert Roman Catholic Separate School Division

Honoured to work 24 years with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. Strong voice protecting publicly funded Catholic education. Relationship based. Advocating for per student funding to be above the national average and reinstating class size averages to the Alberta Commission on Learning recommendations. 

Al Stewart
Elk Island Catholic Schools

As a teacher, parent and grandparent, I know the importance of quality Catholic education. My priorities as trustee are clear: manage class sizes, secure stable funding, improve transportation, and support teachers as they address growing classroom complexities. Rooted in faith and committed to families, I will keep Catholic education strong.

Mark Swanson
Edmonton Catholic School Division

Mark Swanson, retired ATA executive, Concordia dean and Catholic school principal, believes in publicly funded Catholic education; right-sized funding for system growth and student success; relevant curriculum and resources for the 21st century; education fostering respect, honesty, loyalty, fairness and growth; and safe and caring learning environments for students, teachers and staff.