EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Meetings with Members of Government:

Over the period of August 2015 to October 2015 I met with the following:

Hon. Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Innovation & Advanced Education & Minister of Skills, Training, Jobs and Labour; Hon. Ifran Sabir, Minister of Human Services; and Hon. , Minister of Education & Minister of Culture and Tourism.

Meetings with Members of the Legislative Assembly:

MLA Denise Woollard, -Mill Creek; MLA Trevor Horne, Spruce Grove-St. Albert; MLA David Shepherd, Edmonton-Centre; MLA Derek Fildebrandt, Strathmore-Brooks; MLA Grant Hunter, Cardston Taber Warner; and MLA Rick McIver, Leader, Progressive Conservatives.

Meetings with Member Boards, Partners and Colleagues:

Meeting with Wild Rose School Division; Meeting with Northern Gateway Public Schools; Meeting with Fort Vermillion School Division; Ellen Hambrook, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education; Gareth Thomson, ACEE; Les Hagen, WELLNESS ; Student Leadership Planning Committee; Maureen Towns, Consultant; Dr. Marvin Washington; Larry Huber, Executive Director, Public Section, Saskatchewan School Boards’ Association; Jeremy Nolais, Press Secretary, Minister of Education; Maureen Gough, Legislative and Outreach Assistant,

Other events / meetings / educational matters:

Meeting with Alberta Education regarding Provincial Bargaining Model; Presentation to Nellie McClung Grade Nine Students regarding Lobbying; ASBA Day for Advocacy; READ IN Week at Oliver School; Pink Tea with Laurie Blakeman and Nellie McClung Students; and Premier Notley State of the Province Address.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2015

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Strategic Communications Plan: Key Messages (attached)

The attached Key Messages were derived from the Association’s DRAFT 2015 – 2018 Work Plan and reflect the conversations of Members during the April 2015 and August 2015 Association Work Plan sessions. Please note that the first Key Message has been revised to align with the First Priority of the Work Plan. These Key Messages will be used in all Association work moving forward.

Amendment to Association’s Special Recognition Policy (attached):

As per the discussions at the August 2015 meeting of the Public School Boards Council, the Association’s Policy has been amended to allow for interrupted service. A motion is required to ratify the amendment.

Association’s 2015 – 2018 Work Plan (attached):

On 26 August 2015 the Association Office sent an email request to Members, for feedback on the Association’s DRAFT Work Plan; feedback was due in the Association Office on or before 30 September 2015. Thank you to Fort McMurray Public Schools, Grasslands School Division, Medicine Hat School District, Northern Lights School Division, Peace Wapiti Public School Division, Pembina Hills Regional Division, Prairie Land School Division, Prairie Rose School Division, St. Albert Public Schools and Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools for your feedback. Attached is a FINAL Draft Work Plan for the review and approve of the Public School Boards Council.

Mary Lynne R. Campbell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2015

Strategic Communications Plan: Key Messages

15 October 2015 MEMO

To: Public School Boards Council Representatives

From: Mary Lynne R. Campbell, Executive Director

Copy: Executive Committee

Re: Association’s Communication Strategic Work Plan – Update

I am pleased to share with Council Representatives, the Association’s three Key Messages. These Key Messages were derived from the April 2015 Association Work Plan and August 2015 Public School Boards Council Meeting discussions:

Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education system in Alberta; Local Autonomy: and Alberta’s Public Schools create respectful and responsive learning environments where ALL children are welcomed.

I. Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education system in Alberta.

Our Members were abundantly clear that this message is about providing programing that is responsive to, respectful and inclusive of ALL students. Our commentary with this key message will include:

 Language and phrases that will quickly dispel the myth that our Association is working in opposition to any other publicly funded systems;

 Acknowledgment that the province of Alberta is facing challenging economic times that we have seen many times before. Can the province continue to support four fully funded public education systems and one partially funded private education system? Can we share instructional spaces? Programs? Can we continue to afford duplication?

 Contextual information that demonstrates that our Association is very well positioned to inspire, lead and carry this key message for a number of reasons including but not limited to:

o Our Association Policies regarding Shared Instructional Space and Home Education; o Our successful Education Act Lobby messages regarding Children First, the need to work collaboratively with the intention of creating a positive legacy for ALL children; o Our successful effort to secure inclusive eligibility for Public School supporters who wish to vote for their / run for Public School Trustee; and o Our Association’s position regarding a more modern, transparent and community based process for Separate School District Expansion.

All of these speak to our fundamental interest in creating a fully engaged and inclusive Public School Education system in Alberta.

II. Local Autonomy

Now is the time for Public School Trustees to demonstrate the STRONG connection between the locally elected Public School Trustee and the communities they serve. It is equally important to not only model the values of accountability, stewardship, integrity and engagement, but to also provide living examples of why the best decisions are made closest to the students within our care.

Our Members have a unique opportunity to showcase through your daily work, the power of local autonomy and locally elected Public School Trustees. The Association will provide Members with ‘sentence starters’ / ‘idea starters’ so that you can create your own list of local Board examples to support this key message.

III. Alberta’s Public Schools create respectful and responsive learning environments where ALL children are welcomed.

We will be nesting the Association’s trademark phrase “Diversity is a Lesson Plan for Life” within this key message. Diversity is not limited just to our Public School Classrooms, it permeates throughout the Public School System. It is the diversity of:  Opinions / discourse around our Public School Board tables that reflect and model the values of civil democracy;  Alternative programs that Public Schools proudly offer our students;  Challenges / opportunities that our Members meet in providing learning opportunities for ALL students;  Partnerships that come together in support of our children; and  Settings within which our Members provide respectful and responsive learning environments for ALL children.

Diversity is a lesson plan for life as our children experience, see and celebrate diversity during their tenure with us. It provides our Public School children with the skills, knowledge and connections they will need in order to find their place in a globally diverse community; within this context of diversity, Alberta’s Public Schools are the Alberta Advantage.

SUMMARY

Attached to this Memo is a ‘cheat sheet’ to assist you, as you employ the Key Messages in the conversations within your communities, that you will undertake this school year.

Mary Lynne R. Campbell Executive Director

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA KEY MESSAGES

KEY MESSAGE: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education system in Alberta.

 There are currently four fully publicly funded education systems in Alberta;

 All four fully publicly funded education systems are vying for resources from the same funding source;

 As an Association, we believe that one publicly funded inclusive education system is the best option for the children of Alberta;

 Having one publicly funded inclusive education system in Alberta would provide all students with the greatest amount of opportunity and choice as it would eliminate the need to “compete’ for the same resources;

 We want to work together with the other publicly funded education systems to unite under one publicly funded inclusive system to provide ultimate choice for students and families;

 Students and Families need to have access to the things that are important to them (i.e. faith-based programs, language options shorter bus rides, special needs assistance);

 The Members of the PSBAA are ambassadors for the need to work collaboratively with the intention of creating a positive legacy for ALL children.

KEY MESSAGE: Local Autonomy

 School Boards across the province play an important role in our students’ lives;

 School Boards advocate for our students and communities at a provincial level and are continuously striving to create diverse and responsive learning environments for our students’ needs;

 As an advocate for our community and students, our School Board is committed to: o List your TOP THREE Priorities here: o ______o ______o ______

 Our School Board promises to (what are your values): o ______o ______o ______

 Our School Board values being part of the communities we serve because: o ______o ______o ______

KEY MESSAGE: Public Schools continue to create respectful and responsive learning environments where ALL children are welcomed.

 As an Association, we believe that Diversity is a Lesson Plan for Life.™  To our Members and our Association, diversity is:

o Learning opportunities for students in classrooms;

o Recognizing each individual’s learning style and being able to adapt to meet those specific needs;

o Understanding that each student is an individual and needs different things to make him / her feel accepted, safe and respected;

o The personal experiences and learnings that each teacher brings into his / her classroom are valued and important;

o Democracy and respect is engaged in the Boardroom so that our School Boards are confident that they are making the best, collective decision for their students;

o Coming together through our commonalities rather than because of our differences;

o Focusing on that which unites us – our children – rather than that which divides us; and

o Diversity in a public school education system means choice, opportunity and respect.

Amendment to Association Special Recognition Policy

Special Recognition Policy

Policy Statement:

The Members of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta believe that it is important to recognize the significant contributions of Public School Trustees, Administrators and members of the greater community, whose efforts further reflect the promotion of and support for Public School Education, locally and/or provincially. In recognizing those significant contributions, the Association is celebrating that which is unique, valuable and attractive about Public School Education.

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Special Recognition Policy

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

1. The Association may present awards to members and/or others in recognition of the following:

 work undertaken by Association members and/or other individuals which:  demonstrably improves Public School Education; and / or  promotes the reputation of Public School Education thereby strengthening community support for public school education;  contributions made by Association members that advance Association business and initiatives;  individual accomplishments within the field of Public School Education;  honorary memberships;  completion of service for Executive Committee members;  long service of Trustees;  retirement of staff;

2. The Public School Boards’ Association Awards Application package will be made available toall member Boards and members of the Public on or before 15 January each year. The package will also be posted to the Association’s website.

3. The Awards Package will include the following information: a. Criteria for the Award b. Application form c. Deadlines for submission

4. The application deadline for the following Awards will be 01 June in each year: a. Special Contribution to Public School Education b. Advancing Association Business and Initiatives c. Honorary Membership

5. Prior to the August Council Meeting, all applications will be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Special Recognition.

6. The Standing Committee on Special Recognition will bring forward recommendations regarding award presentations, to the Executive Committee for review and approval.

7. Long Service of Trustees: Recognition of long service will begin following completion of eight years of service as a Public School Trustee, and occur in four year increments, for subsequent years. Trustees whose service was interrupted are eligible for a Long Service Award following the completion of eight years of service as a Public School Trustee with four year increments in subsequent years.

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Special Recognition Policy

AWARDS HANDBOOK

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA AWARDS

1. Special Contribution to Public School Education 2. Advancing Association Business and Initiatives 3. Honorary Membership 4. Long Service for Trustees 5. Long Service for Employees 6. Retirement

1. Special Contribution to Public School Education

Deadline for Application Submission - 01 June

This is an award that may be presented annually to:

a. a Public School Board, Trustee(s), Senior Administrator(s) or member(s) of the public; and b. individuals engaged in the media and / or media outlets including but not limited to social media, newspapers, reporters, and other media sources.

The criteria for and presentation of the award will be determined by the Executive Committee and include those Public School Boards, Trustees, Senior Administrator, or members of the Public nominated by member Boards.

Award: A plaque bearing the Association’s logo along with a written description of the nature of the achievement / certificate. This Award may also include Honorary Membership, to be determined at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

2. Advancing Association Business and Initiatives

Deadline for Application Submission – 01 June

This award is presented to individuals whose significant contributions to the important work of the Association, should be recognized. This award may also include Honorary Membership to be determined at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Criteria: For Association Members, this may include, but is not limited to:

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Special Recognition Policy

a. Work on Standing Committees of the Association; b. Work on Ad Hoc Committees of the Association; c. Assisting with the organizing and hosting of Association Business Meetings; d. Assisting with the work of special projects, initiatives and / or Association events.

3. Honorary Membership

Ministers of Education

Upon the announcement of the appointment of the Minister of Education, the Association will present to the Minister of Education, an honorary membership at and Association event.

Past Presidents

Immediately following the election of a new President, the Association will present the Past President with an honourary membership.

4. Long Service for Public School Trustees

Recognition of long service will begin following completion of eight years of service as a Public School Trustee, and occur in four year increments, for subsequent years. Trustees wishing to receive recognition for Long Service are encouraged to notify the Association Office with their request. Recipients will receive a framed certificate of appreciation bearing the Association’s logo along with a notation identifying the years of service.

Note: This provision would include an application process with an appropriate deadline.

5. Recognition for Service

Executive Committee Members

President

Upon completion of the term(s) of service, the President will receive an engraved plaque recognizing the term of service, and a personal gift in the amount of $100.00. Should the President wish, a donation may be made to the individual’s charity of choice.

Vice President’s and Directors

Upon completion of the term(s) of service, of Vice President or Director, an individual will receive an engraved plaque recognizing their term of service.

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Special Recognition Policy

6. Retirement

Executive Director

Upon the retirement of an Executive Director of the Association, the Executive Committee shall determine the means of recognition and the value of an appropriate expression of appreciation. Consideration should be given to the length of service and criteria from the Association’s Awards Program. Funds dedicated to this recognition, should be allocated through motion at a meeting of the Executive Committee.

Association Staff

Upon the retirement of a member of the Association Staff, the Executive Director shall determine the means of recognition and the value of an appropriate expression of appreciation. The Executive Committee shall be advised about the value and nature of the recognition.

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Association 2015-2018 Work Plan

15 October 2015 MEMO

To: Public School Boards Council Representatives

From: Mary Lynne R. Campbell, Executive Director

Copy: Executive Committee

Re: Final Draft 2015 – 2018 Work Plan

Attached please find a copy of the Association’s Final DRAFT 2015 – 2018 Work Plan. While the document does not contain the verbatim comments of all feedback received, I hope that it does reflect the themes and spirit of that which was provided by the following Member Boards:

 Fort McMurray Public Schools;  Grasslands Public Schools;  Medicine Hat School District;  Northern Lights School Division;  Peace Wapiti Public School Division;  Pembina Hills Regional Division;  Prairie Land Regional Division;  Prairie Rose School Division;  St. Albert Public Schools; and  Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.

A few notes for the consideration and review of your Board:

1. Measures vs. Outcomes: I have changed the third column in the Work Plan from Measures to Outcomes, in the hope that this will provide some clarity regarding the intentions for each strategy. If we successfully execute each strategy, the Association will achieve the outcomes that Members have articulated;

2. Priority 1: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded, inclusive Education System in Alberta. Goal 4: Encourage the Government to identify and clearly define what “choice” in Education really is.

This Goal has been changed to read: Celebrate and grow support for the choice that will exist in the new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System. This PROPOSED change is a starting point for discussion. The following are comments and questions for the consideration / discussion of the Council.

The Government’s present definition of “choice” is four fully publicly funded systems, that is, Public Education, Separate Education, Francophone Education and Charter Schools, along with 70% funding of Private Schools.

a. Do the Members believe that in the absence of the voices and influence of our locally elected Public School Trustees, that the definition of choice in Education will change? b. If the Work Plan Goal states that Government should identify and clearly define what “choice” in Education really is, does this respect the critical connection between our locally elected Public School Trustees and the communities that our Members serve and represent? c. Do the Members believe that Government should solely be responsible for identifying and defining choice?

The Second Priority of the Work Plan is: Protect and Advance Public School Board Governance and Local Autonomy in Alberta. Given the focus of the SECOND priority, coupled with strategies that speak to Members shaping the understanding for, support and context of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta, within the FIRST Priority, does the Goal – “Encourage the Government to identify and clearly define what “choice” in Education really is” demonstrate respect for:

a. the local autonomy of Public School Boards; b. the leadership of our locally elected Public School Trustees in shaping, inspiring, leading the creation of this new Education System?

As noted earlier, the proposed Goal “Celebrate and grow support for the choice that will exist in the new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System “ is intended to be a starting point for discussions. Whatever Goal 4 states, it should be in alignment with the intention and language of the Association’s Mission/ Vision / Values as well as the three Priorities within the Work Plan.

3. Priority 2: Protect and Advance Public School Board Governance and Local Autonomy in Alberta. Goal 1: Have Government demonstrate respect for and support the authority of Locally Elected School Boards:

There were a range of suggestions with respect to the Strategy regarding Protocol. On balance the majority of respondents indicated that the Strategy was related to the Minister’s Office (on occasion) sending email requests/information directly to School Principals and/or staff. Thus the second Strategy should speak to the Association reminding Government that the appropriate communication protocol should be: Minister to Board Chairs and Deputy Minister / Department Officials to Superintendents. All other protocols related to the introduction of Trustees at community events is within the sole jurisdiction of each Member Board, and so has been removed from the attached document;

WORK PLAN: 2015 – 2018

Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Introduction

Our Mission is: To Champion inclusive Public School Education with locally elected School Boards dedicated to student success.

Our Vision Is: Public schools are the first choice of our communities, where all our children learn and live the values of democracy together, reflecting our hope, and shaping the future of our communities.

Our Values include: Integrity Our actions are consistent with our values. Leadership Listening, learning and inspiring in order to educate and advocate for Public School Education. Collaboration Respectful consultation and communication with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Innovation Boldly pursuing opportunities to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Stewardship Responsible guardianship of Public School Education. Influence Positively impacting the direction of Public School Education.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority One: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta

Goal 1: Encourage the Government to explore the creation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System and work to influence and promote Legislative changes to support one Inclusive Education System.

Strategies Outcomes

 Commission a study on the costs of multiple Publicly Funded Systems in  A Report regarding the fracturing of Public Education is Alberta. released by the Association.

 Commission a cost/benefit analysis of the new single Publicly Funded Inclusive  A Report regarding the cost/benefit analysis is released by Education System. the Association.

 Trustees meet with MLAs to encourage Government to explore the creation of  90% of Member Boards have met with MLAs to encourage a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System. Government to support the formation of a new single Publicly

Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta.  Trustees meet with MLAs to share data from the cost/benefit analysis.

 MLAs are fully aware of the costs and duplication associated  Lobby Provincial Politicians to pursue this new single Publicly Funded Inclusive with four fully Publicly Funded Education Systems. Education System.

 Member Boards are fully conversant with the costs and

duplication associated with four fully Publicly Funded Education Systems. All Members of the Association are engaging their communities in actually advocating for this new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System through conversation with their respective Provincial, Municipal and Community Leaders.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority One: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta

Goal 2: Have Albertans believe that this new single Publicly Funded, Inclusive Education System is best for all Students.

Strategies Outcomes

 Work with the Fédération des Conseils Scolaires Francophones de l'Alberta and  The Executive Committee will provide updates regarding their Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association to develop a shared meetings and conversations with Fédération des Conseils understanding about the new Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System. Scolaires Francophones de l'Alberta and Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association.  Develop Key Messages to educate the Public about the benefits of diverse inclusive learning environments for all students.  Member Boards provide ongoing updates at Public School Board Council Meetings, highlighting the ways by which they  Develop Key Messages to educate the Public about the Constitutional are sharing the key messages with their Public and the effects Limitations and Rights. that these actions have produced.

 The Association will provide a Governance Seminar regarding the Constitutional  A Governance Seminar regarding the Constitutional Limitations and Rights, and all Members relay this information to their Limitations and Rights is offered. respective communities.  Member Boards and Community acknowledges understanding of the Constitutional Provision.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority One: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta

Goal 3: Have Albertans advocate for this new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Council will generate a list of Target Groups (Locally and Provincially) that  Member Boards will be strong and engaged advocates for this support and will share Key Messages. new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System.

 Convince Albertans that choice will exist in the new single Publicly Funded  Member Boards will share ongoing Reports at Council Inclusive Education System. Meetings regarding their Key Messages and Growing Grassroots support and Advocacy for this new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System and the impact it is having within their respective communities.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority One: Promote the formation of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System in Alberta

Goal 4: Celebrate and grow support for the choice that will exist in the new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System.

Strategies Outcomes

 Member Boards will define and identify what choice is in the Public Education  The Association will provide the Government of Alberta with System. a snapshot of Programs of Choice from across Alberta.

 All Member Boards will provide the Association with a list of the Programs of  Member Boards will become conversant with and share Key Choice offered in the respective Division. Messages regarding Public Education and Publicly Funded Education.  The Association will develop Key Messages to educate all stakeholders on the difference between Public Education and Publicly Funded Education.  Member Boards will grow Grassroots understanding about Public Education and Publicly Funded Education.  The Association will provide Member Boards with Key Messages regarding “Choice” that Members can use with their local communities.  Member Boards will grow Grassroots support for a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System.

 Political Leaders acknowledge consistently that “Choice” ought not be a Political scapegoat, but a practical approach to resolving “real” issues.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Two: Protect & Advance Public School Board Governance & Local Autonomy in Alberta

Goal 1: Have Government demonstrate respect for and support the authority of Locally Elected School Boards.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Executive Committee will continue to foster healthy relationships with all  The Executive Committee will build upon existing and foster levels of Government. new relationships with the newly elected / re-elected MLAs. Regular Reports from the Executive Committee will be  The Executive Committee and Member Boards will remind Government about provided to the Council. the purpose and need for communication protocols, such as Minister to Board Chairs and Deputy Minister to Superintendents.  The Government will consistently honour and respect the communication protocols in all communication from the  The Association will assist Member Boards in educating the Public about the Minister, Government and Alberta Education Officials. role of the Locally Elected Public School Trustee.  Provincial Leaders and Department Officials will limit the amount of centralized direction, control and interference with local operations.

 Member Boards will grow local community support for and understanding, about the role of the Locally Elected Public School Trustee.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Two: Protect & Advance Public School Board Governance & Local Autonomy in Alberta

Goal 2: Ensure Public School Boards retain their local voice.

Strategies Outcomes

 Advocate that the Education Act and accompanying Regulations be Proclaimed  The Education Act and Regulations are Proclaimed in September 2016. September 2016.

 Develop Key Messages to educate the community on the role and value of the  Member Boards will share updates regarding progress related Locally Elected Public School Trustee and School Board. to educating their community on the importance and value of the Local School Board.

 The Association and Member Boards will employ the Key Messages in all communications arising from the Association.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Two: Protect & Advance Public School Board Governance & Local Autonomy in Alberta

Goal 3: Provide the tools for Trustees to enhance their role as advocates in the Public Education System.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Association will continue to provide Governance Seminars.  Trustees will have increased knowledge and more courage/confidence in their role as a Trustee.  The Association will continue to provide mentorship for new Trustees and Board Chairs.  The Executive Committee will connect with colleagues on a regular basis.  The Association will continue to provide annual Representative Orientation program/session.  The Association offers an Annual Orientation and Mid-Year check in session for new Trustees, Council Representatives and Board Chairs.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Two: Protect & Advance Public School Board Governance & Local Autonomy in Alberta

Goal 4: Have the public understand and appreciate the value and authority of Locally Elected School Boards.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Executive Committee will create a Strategic Communications Plan to  The Association will provide Member Boards Key Messages compliment and support the Strategies and Outcomes contained in the Work on critical issues in a timely manner. Plan.  The Government of Alberta will:  Member Boards will support the interest of all students by engaging the  Provide appropriate funding for Public Education; assistance of their communities in holding the Provincial Government  Continue to foster innovation, strategies and accountable. momentum for the transformation of Education (i.e. Inspiring Education).  Member Boards will continue to be the strongest advocates for all children.  Continue to develop innovative and flexible programs and strategies to reduce dropout rates, increase  The Association will engage and grow the voices of students as current and completion rates and enhance transition rates. future leaders across Alberta.  The Government of Alberta will support and work with all Education Stakeholders to develop the frameworks that respect and reflect the innovative and flexible programs developed by and offered in Alberta’s Public Schools.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Three: Strengthen & Support the Association

Goal 1: Share with Non-Member Boards information about the value of Membership and encourage them to join the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Executive Committee and Member Boards will meet with Non-Member  New Members will join Public School Boards’ Association of Boards to encourage them to join the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta. Alberta.  Non-Members will attend Association Events.  The Executive Committee will continue extending invitations to Non-Members Boards to attend our Spring General Assemblies and Fall Events.

 The Association will sponsor a Representative from each Non-Member Board to attend the November Meeting of the Public School Boars Council.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Three: Strengthen & Support the Association

Goal 2: Continue to build and enhance relationships with Government and Stakeholders.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Executive Committee will continue to meet and build relationships with  Education Stakeholders and Partners will grow a stronger and partner Associations. united voice in support of a new single Publicly Funded Inclusive Education System.  The Executive Committee will build relationships within Government and all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.  The Executive Committee will provide regular Reports to the Council regarding their individual meetings with Ministers and MLAs.

 All Members will become more actively engaged in meeting with and establishing relationships with their respective Political Counterparts and in sharing Association “Key Messages”.

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Association Work Plan 2015 - 2018

Priority Three: Strengthen & Support the Association

Goal 3: Increase the profile and influence of the Association.

Strategies Outcomes

 The Association will facilitate the engagement of students in the work of the  Students will be active participants in the Association Association. University and Spring General Assemblies.

 The Association will continue to respond to educational affairs in a nimble  Board Representatives will provide regular updates at Public manner. School Board Council Meetings, regarding how they engage their Board in the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta  The Association will create and distribute a document outlining the Benefits of advocacy work within the communities served by our being a Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta Member. Members. (i.e. Chambers of Commerce, School Councils, Municipal Partnerships).

 The Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta is consulted/mentioned when issues arise in the media/ or by School Boards.

 The Association will release a Benefits of Membership Brochure.

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