Social Conservatives Mobilize for Alberta School Board Elections

A concerted effort by social conservative groups is intensifying in Alberta as they prepare for the upcoming school board elections on October 20, 2023. Organizations such as Take Back Alberta (TBA) are actively training candidates and campaigners to gain influence over school boards, with the aim of countering what they perceive as a politically progressive agenda on issues like 2SLGBTQ+ rights and parental control.

David Parker, executive director of TBA, highlighted two critical factors that could shape the election outcome: historically low voter turnout and a significant number of acclaimed candidates in previous elections. He stated, “People who don’t believe in parental rights need to be driven out of any elected office in Alberta,” during a July interview with CBC News.

The context for these efforts is complicated. Many school boards in Alberta have small electorates, often divided among public, Catholic, or francophone voters, making it challenging to attract a diverse range of candidates. According to provincial data, in the 2021 municipal elections, 421 school board trustees were elected, with 207 acclaimed to their positions and six seats remaining vacant. This trend of acclaimation raises concerns about democratic representation.

The recent legislative changes in spring 2023 further complicate the situation. Alberta’s government has restricted school boards’ ability to disqualify trustees for breaches of conduct. This shift has been criticized by some as a move that could enable candidates with narrow, ideologically driven agendas to secure positions of influence.

Another group, Parents for Choice in Education (PCE), is also ramping up its training programs for prospective trustees. Executive director John Hilton-O’Brien stated the organization seeks to improve board governance and ensure a wider array of perspectives are represented. A significant objective of PCE is to eliminate policies that prevent teachers from informing parents if their children attend gay-straight alliance meetings. “We’ve still got a secrecy policy,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency.

In September 2023, protests organized by the “1 Million March 4 Children” mobilized across Canada, advocating for “parental rights” and a more significant influence over what students learn regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Concerns about the growing influence of social conservative groups are echoed by leaders in education. Dennis MacNeil, president of the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, expressed apprehension about the implications of the new code of conduct laws. He noted, “If you’re that one-agenda person who is on a board, and your only focus is to be anti-woke… that creates a lot of problems for boards.”

In contrast, Garrett Koehler, press secretary for Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, defended the legislative changes, asserting that they are intended to fortify democracy by ensuring the electorate retains authority over elected officials. “The electorate should have the final say on recalling an elected public figure,” he stated in a June email.

In response to the growing influence of social conservative candidates, the Alberta Teachers’ Association has begun offering workshops for potential trustee candidates. President Jason Schilling emphasized that while the association does not endorse candidates, it encourages individuals who support public education to run. He expressed concern that the rhetoric from some conservative groups could undermine the legal obligation of trustees to foster safe and inclusive environments for all students.

PCE has expanded its training sessions this year, conducting workshops in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer. The organization aims to equip individuals with the skills necessary for effective board membership and campaign strategy. Despite emphasizing the importance of diverse opinions, Hilton-O’Brien acknowledged a preference for candidates who prioritize parental rights.

Another organization, the Alberta Parents’ Union, advocates for increased transparency in schools and supports legislation requiring school staff to inform parents when students request to be addressed by different names or pronouns. This policy is set to become law in September 2023.

The debate surrounding school board governance is further complicated by the presence of multiple interest groups with differing agendas. Heather Ganshorn, research director with Support Our Students Alberta, pointed out that while some organizations advocate for parental choice, their goals may conflict with the need for comprehensive public education.

“Not everyone has to agree on all issues to run as a trustee,” she said, highlighting the importance of good faith participation in governance. Ganshorn suggested that current discussions about contentious social issues may detract from addressing more pressing concerns, such as class sizes and resource allocation for special needs students.

Since the introduction of recall legislation in 2019, Alberta school boards have had the authority to remove trustees for violating codes of conduct. However, the effectiveness of this measure has been questioned, especially as many trustees are acclaimed rather than elected.

Crystal Owens, chair of the Peace River Public School Board, noted that public awareness is crucial for accountability, stating, “If the board is going to struggle with any kind of conduct, it’s almost up to the public to be aware of what’s happening.”

The implications of increasingly polarized school boards could lead to dysfunction, as Schilling warned. “You could get people in these positions who are making statements that undermine the safety of people,” he said. The focus of school boards should remain on what benefits students, teachers, and staff, rather than becoming a battleground for political ideologies.

As the election approaches, the stakes are high, and the dynamics of school board governance in Alberta are poised for significant change.