The public school board is an exciting and rewarding way to contribute to public education while getting involved in your community. School trustees make important decisions that affect almost every aspect of a student’s life and – by extension – the lives of their families, neighbours, and fellow citizens.

At the same time, students are impacted by what happens in their communities, and they bring these influences to school with them everyday. School trustees must consider all civic issues – the economy, urban planning, health, transportation, crime, culture – when they make decisions about schools and education. This makes the public school board an exciting civic institution and an important form of municipal government.

Local elections are an exercise in collective dreaming. They bring citizens together for meaningful dialogue about the present and future they want for their communities. These personal interactions in the political grassroots are also the hallmark of school boards. And school boards need passionate candidates and engaged citizens like you!

Nomination papers for the 2010 civic elections are due on Sept. 20, and your local school administration will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.

Patty Dittrick, president

Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta