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Part of Alberta’s K to 12 education system

School board elections guide

Important information regarding school board election procedures and regulations for school districts or authorities.

School board trustee elections

As part of the general elections, Albertans vote for their school board trustees. A general election takes place once every four years as legislated under the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).

School boards are charged with the responsibility to govern the affairs of the school authority under the Education Act, and are advocates for students to ensure education is given a high priority.

Additional roles

  • using available resources to set strategic priorities
  • developing effective policies and practices
  • driving provincial policy changes
  • ensuring financial transparency
  • ensuring parents’ voices, students’ needs and school community thinking, remain at the forefront in Alberta’s education system

School board information package (guide)

The School Board Elections Information Package has been developed to assist school boards in conducting an election in accordance with the LAEA, the Education Act and any other relevant regulations and legislation. It includes general election procedures, forms and regulations for school authorities.

It is important to note that this package is intended to be used as a reference for returning officers who are planning an upcoming school board election, by-election, or vote on a question or bylaw.

Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.

Special school tax levy

A Special School Tax Levy allows public and separate school boards to collect money beyond what the government provides from local residents.

The Education Act allows public and separate school boards to pass a resolution to allow a vote of the electors. The electors of the school division vote on whether they support a Special School Tax Levy.

A board can only pass a resolution in the year of a general election. If the electors agree to a levy, it can last for no more than four years. It ends on December 31 of the year of the next general election.

The process for conducting a Special School Tax Levy has several specific steps. Boards must complete the steps while following the legal requirements in the Education Act and the Special School Tax Levy Plebiscite Regulation.

Contact

Connect with the Business Operations and Stakeholder Support branch:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2055
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-427-2147

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