| October 10, 2007 |  |
Albertans encouraged to vote in school board elections
School boards play an important role in the education of Alberta childrenEdmonton... The provincial government and Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) are working together to create awareness about the importance of voting in school board elections on October 15.
“Locally elected school boards play an important leadership role in our children’s education,” said Education Minister Ron Liepert. “We all have a stake in the future of education, so it is vital that Albertans exercise their right to vote in our school board elections on October 15.”
“School boards represent all Albertans,” said ASBA President Maureen Kubinec, who is retiring after 18 years as a trustee on the Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7 board. “Your local school board’s policies and decisions will affect your children, your schools and your community. Whether you have children in school or not, be part of choosing the people who will make these important decisions. ”
Since April, the ASBA has been working with local school boards to increase interest in the 2007 school board elections. The association, which represents the province’s 62 school boards, developed kits for use by local school boards, hosted candidate information sessions across the province and posted information for candidates on the ASBA Web site.
In a first, this election will see government and the ASBA launch a bookmark campaign through Alberta libraries aimed at encouraging more voter participation in the Oct. 15 election. Libraries are an important part of Alberta communities, with the opportunity to ensure this message reaches thousands of parents and other community members.
Increasing community participation in public education is part of Premier Stelmach’s plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to: govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans’ quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.
