Message from the Board Chair
Monday, October 6, 2025 - On behalf of the Parkland School Division Board of Trustees, I want to acknowledge the uncertainty and concern that many of you may be feeling as we prepare for the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s (ATA) labour action beginning on Monday, October 6, 2025.
First and foremost, I want to recognize our teachers. They are valued professionals who inspire, guide, and care deeply for our students every single day. The Board of Trustees has immense respect for their work and their unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of students in Parkland School Division.
We understand the challenges this creates for families who must make alternate arrangements for their children. We recognize the stress this places on our teachers, who are advocating for their profession and their students. And we are deeply grateful to our support staff, administrators, and school communities who continue to step forward with professionalism and care during this difficult time.
It is important to clarify the role of Alberta school boards in this process of provincial level bargaining, which is between the Government of Alberta, through the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), and the ATA. Each public, separate and Francophone School Board in Alberta has a representative on TEBA who receives information about the status of the bargaining process. However, the TEBA Board of Directors, the decision-making arm of TEBA is made up of seven Trustee representatives and eight appointees from the Government of Alberta.
Details of bargaining are negotiated collectively, and outcomes are determined by the TEBA Board of Directors rather than any one board, meaning that Parkland School Division has no ability to alter or accelerate this process — our role is to manage the impacts once decisions are made.
While schools will be closed to students during the strike, please know that the Board of Trustees remains committed to keeping you informed, supporting our staff, and ensuring that — when this disruption concludes — students and staff can return to safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments.
We thank you for your patience, your compassion, and your continued support for public education.
With respect and appreciation,
Dr. Lorraine Stewart
PSD Board Chair