Former Trustee Chair Urges Voter Engagement in School Elections

Former chair of the Edmonton Public School Board, Trisha Estabrooks, emphasized the significance of school board trustee elections during a recent interview on Alberta Primetime with host Michael Higgins. She highlighted the critical issues affecting education that should compel voters to pay attention to these elections, which often receive less public focus than mayoral or council races.

Estabrooks described the current election cycle in Alberta as a pivotal moment for educational governance. She pointed to pressing topics such as the potential strike action by teachers and the increasing overcrowding in classrooms across major cities like Edmonton and Calgary. Over the past decade, Alberta has faced significant cuts to education, prompting a growing public discourse around the need for effective school board leadership. “It’s democracy in action, to be blunt about it,” Estabrooks stated, underlining that these elections are essential for community representation.

The discussion also touched upon what motivates individuals to run for trustee positions. Estabrooks noted the commitment required to serve in public office, commending those who put their names forward. She believes that a genuine passion for public education and community service is crucial for potential candidates. “This is a bit of a defend public education race,” she remarked, indicating that many candidates are rallying to protect public education amidst ongoing challenges.

One of the significant issues raised was the autonomy of school boards. Estabrooks expressed concern about the potential erosion of this autonomy, particularly as some provinces in Canada consider eliminating school boards altogether. She argued that such actions would undermine the voices of parents, students, and families, who rely on their democratically elected trustees to represent their interests.

When discussing contentious topics like book banning and policies regarding transgender athletes, Estabrooks emphasized the importance of local decision-making. She urged voters to research candidates’ positions on these issues and question how they plan to defend public education against provincial government interference.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, Estabrooks reminded them of the responsibilities entrusted to school board trustees. Elected members are tasked with setting the vision and direction for schools, overseeing substantial budgets—such as the over $1 billion budget of the Edmonton Public Schools—and advocating for the entire community, not just specific areas.

She stressed that even those without children in the school system have a stake in the outcome of these elections. “Don’t you want a well-educated public?” she asked, highlighting the broader societal benefits of investing in education.

Concerns have arisen surrounding the group known as Take Back Alberta, which has been vocal about its approach to school governance. Estabrooks cautioned voters to scrutinize candidates who may not prioritize the value of public education, especially in light of the current political climate. She encouraged thorough research to ensure that elected officials truly represent community interests and uphold the integrity of public education.

In conclusion, the upcoming trustee elections represent a vital opportunity for Edmontonians and Albertans to influence the future of their educational landscape. With important issues at stake, Estabrooks’ call to action highlights the need for informed voter engagement to ensure that public education remains a priority in Alberta.