2025 Trustee Elections
School Board elections take place across Alberta on October 20, 2025, and interested stakeholders are encouraged to consider running for a position as an Aspen View Public Schools trustee. Nominations are now open, and can be submitted at our division office until September 22, 2025.
Trustees act as advocates for students, stewards of public funds and bridges between the community and the school division. Trustees work collaboratively as part of a school board to ensure students receive a high-quality education that reflects the values and needs of their community
School boards have significant responsibilities, including:
- Planning for the division and setting long-term priorities.
- Evaluating the performance of the superintendent and the overall system.
- Communicating achievements and results to the public and advocating for funding and resources.
- Promoting public education as a cornerstone of a democratic society.
By fulfilling these responsibilities as part of school boards, trustees ensure Alberta’s education system remains inclusive, equitable and high performing. Their role is a crucial one, emphasizing the importance of local governance and leadership in creating a better society for everyone across the province.
Much of the information in this section is taken from the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Guide for School Board Trustees, which is an excellent resource for those considering candidacy.
Key dates
January 1, 2025: Nomination period opens
September 22, 2025, 12 p.m.: Nomination period closes
October 20, 2025: Election day
Trustees are entrusted to govern their division by balancing the diverse needs of students, families and communities. Their work encompasses several key areas:
- Setting Direction: Trustees establish the strategic vision and priorities for their division, ensuring that all students can succeed. This includes approving goals that reflect community input and comply with provincial guidelines.
- Developing Policy: By creating policies, trustees set the framework for how their division operates. These policies guide everything from fiscal oversight and student wellbeing to annual school calendars.
- Budget Approval and Oversight: Trustees approve the division’s annual budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and responsibly.
- Superintendent Oversight: Working together as the board, they hire and evaluate the superintendent, who is responsible for implementing board decisions and managing day-to-day operations.
- Advocacy and Representation: Trustees advocate for public education at the municipal and provincial levels, representing the interests of their communities.
- Community Engagement: Trustees actively communicate with parents, students and other stakeholders, ensuring everyone’s voices are considered in board decisions.
The board is collectively responsible for governance and all trustees are bound by its decisions. Individual trustees hold no legal authority; decision-making power rests solely with the board. However, the role of a trustee carries leadership and accountability, both to their constituents and the broader community. In this capacity, trustees can serve as role models and set a positive example for others.
Time Commitment
Trusteeship requires a significant commitment of time and energy. On average, trustees dedicate 10–20 hours per week to their responsibilities. This includes preparing for and attending board and committee meetings, engaging with parents and community stakeholders, and representing the board at public events. Trustees should also consider participating in professional development sessions to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in education governance.
Remuneration
Trustee remuneration varies between school divisions. The amount is determined locally and typically reflects the significant responsibilities and time commitments of the role.
Aspen View Public Schools’ current trustee remuneration rates are included in Policy 7: Board Operations; Schedule A: Trustee Compensation and Expense Rates.
While the position is not usually sought for financial reasons, remuneration helps support trustees in fulfilling their duties.
Ethical Expectations and Conflicts of Interest
Trustees must adhere to high ethical standards, maintaining the trust and confidence of their communities. Transparency is key, trustees are required to disclose any financial or personal interests that could influence their decisions. Under the Education Act, trustees must abstain from votes or discussions where conflicts arise to ensure integrity in the governance process.
Alberta School Boards Association – Guide for School Board Trustees
Alberta Education School Boards Elections Guide
Alberta Local Authorities Elections Act
Alberta Municipal Election Forms: includes required nomination forms, including Form 4 (Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance) and Form 5 (Candidate Financial Information).
Completed nomination forms must be hand delivered to:
Amber Oko, Returning Officer
Aspen View Public Schools
1 University Drive (Second Floor)
Athabasca, Alberta
Nomination forms can be delivered Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excepting statutory holidays.
Eligibility
Requirements to be a candidate in a trustee election are outlined in the Local Authorities Election Act and the Education Act. They include:
- You must be eligible to vote in the election. You must be a Canadian citizen and must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must have been a resident of the school division, and the ward in which you intend to run, for the six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day.
- You must not be an employee of any school district, school division, charter school or private school – unless you take an unpaid leave of absence to run before the last working day prior to nomination day.
- You must not be otherwise ineligible or disqualified from running.
Ward maps
Candidate information will be posted here as nominations are received.