Becoming a Catholic School Board Trustee

Background

Becoming a Catholic School Board Trustee is a great opportunity to represent the communities (Blackfalds, Innisfail, Olds, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, and Sylvan Lake) and the governance of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Catholic education. 

The next municipal general election will be held on October 20, 2025. Nominations for the general election open between January 1, 2025 and September 20, 2025.

Three main sources guide the election process. These sources are:

• Division 4 (Elections and Trustees) of the Education Act
• the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) 
• and the School Board Elections Guide, 

Important to note that there are several impending changes to the Local Authorities Election Act ( LAEA) resulting from Bill 20. The Guide and other school board trustee election-related materials will be updated once Municipal Affairs has made its changes to the LAEA and added any new regulations (where applicable) for the same.

Municipal Affairs has 2021 election and post-election resources available on its website.  However, these resources have not been updated to include the changes to the LAEA as a result of Bill 20, which has yet to be proclaimed.  Municipal Affairs has created a Fact Sheet summarizing the changes to local election rules under the act and has indicated that Municipal Affairs will be providing information sessions for returning officers in preparation for the 2025 general election.

Prospective School Board Candidates

If you intend to run for your local school board, find relevant information at School Board Trustee Elections information.

Interested in Becoming a Catholic School Board Trustee?

https://www.rdcrs.ca/our-division/whats-new/post/becoming-a-catholic-school-board-trustee

Alberta Catholic School Trustees Associate (ACSTA)

ACSTA have been preparing several resources for the election, including a handbook for prospective candidates, recommendations and resources for parishes, recommendations and resources for Catholic school divisions, and information forums in each of the Alberta dioceses.  ACSTA also intends to deliver an in-person orientation for newly elected trustees.

Alberta School Board Association (ASBA)

ASBA has developed a four-phase plan to support members in the lead-up to, during, and after the 2025 municipal elections. Each phase has specific deliverables for members; the plan will provide support for potential candidates, candidates, eligible voters, and elected trustees. The municipal elections work begins with a survey of members, which we anticipate circulating soon.

City of Red Deer and Outlying Rural Areas

We will continue to work with the City of Red Deer and outlying rural areas to gather information about the costs of the upcoming election.