b'ASBA report for CSBA Annual Report 2019-2020It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) for the past two years. I am honoured to be entrusted with this important leadership role and to support Albertas 61 locally-elected public, catholic and francophone school boards in their commitment to education. The past months have been extraordinary for all of us in adapting to a new normal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been both humbling and inspiring to see the dedication school board trustees have demonstrated during the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Despite this, ASBA continued to work hard on organizational priorities, including expanding its services, increasing advocacy efforts and continuing to make strides toward the betterment of education in Alberta, with its vision of excellence in education through exceptional school board governance. ASBAs executive team and staff have worked to establish various internal systems to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to member needs. Over the past year, we continue to position ASBA as an influential entity in decision-making within government, impactful in the education system and collaborative with our diverse membership and communities. Government relationsASBAs Executive team (L to R): CEO Dr. Vivian Abboud, ASBA continues to foster relationships withPresident Lorrie Jess, Vice president Trina Boymook government at the municipal, provincial and federal level, and advocate on behalf of our members to impact government policies and legislation in a timely manner. In addition to consultation with government in developing and implementing the provincial education re-entry plan, ASBA has also advocated on recent government legislation including the Choice in Education Act, Local Authorities Election Amendment Act, Public Education Collective Bargaining Act and the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Amendment Act. ASBA worked hard to ensure members voices were heard through consultations when the Government of Alberta reworked the funding framework. In addition, ASBA participated in engagements for upcoming changes to the approach to mental health and addictions. This past'