Your Vote is Important! - Media Release from PSBAA "Public Education Isn't Public Without Local Democracy

Public Education Isn’t Public Without Local Democracy

Alberta – Over the upcoming weeks, public school trustee candidates across Alberta will bring the democratic process to life as they campaign in their communities. Many Albertans will wonder: why do we bother electing school trustees in the first place?

“For over one hundred and twenty-five years, Alberta’s communities have governed their affairs through municipal councils and school boards,” explained Patty Dittrick, President of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta. “Local democracy is an Alberta tradition that ensures our communities have effective and accountable self-government.”

“Public schools need effective local government that answers to the community because education plays a pivotal role in community building,” said Patty Dittrick. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s citizens; when the school board makes decisions about their education it has the same lasting effects on the community as municipal council decisions about infrastructure and bylaws. That’s why local democratic input in school board decisions is necessary.”

Albertans and members of the media are encouraged to ask school trustee candidates for their thoughts on the importance of local democracy to the public education system.

For more information about the history and importance of local democracy to the public education system, please contact Patty Dittrick at:


The Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta

#3, 9359, 67A Street

Edmonton, AB

T6B 1R7

Telephone: 780-479-8080

Email: media@public-schools.ab.ca