As I conclude my four-year term and step down from my role I reflect on what an incredible honour it has been to serve as President and work with such a committed group of national leaders. I have truly enjoyed this opportunity to contribute to the work of the Association and to collaborate with passionate advocates for local governance and public education from across Canada.
As I conclude my four-year term and step down from my role I reflect on what an incredible honour it has been to serve as President and work with such a committed group of national leaders. I have truly enjoyed this opportunity to contribute to the work of the Association and to collaborate with passionate advocates for local governance and public education from across Canada.
Since my last bulletin in December, the Board of Directors has met twice to discuss organizational priorities, committee work, emerging issues across jurisdictions and implementation of the new Strategic Plan.
Key updates at all meetings, either Board of Directors or committees, included continued implementation of the new strategic plan focused on Advocacy, Indigenous Education and Health & Wellness.
We were pleased to launch the new CSBA website – www.cdnsba.org – with a refreshed look and feel. The CSBA continues to act as a resource for elected school board members and trustees, and our national education partners. The Board encourages everyone to visit the site and take a tour.
A digital version of the 2026-2032 CSBA Strategic Plan is available on our website. Keeping in line with emerging and pressing issues across the country, the pillars of the strategic plan focus on advancing public education for everyone. With the approval of the new Strategic Plan there was a need to align Board Committee structure to best support the three strategic priorities and direction:
- Advocacy and Public Leadership
- Reconciliation and Indigenous Partnerships
- Contextualizing Education with Health and Wellness
The Board voted to dissolve the Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Committee with the nature of this committee's work taken on by the Board of Directors as a whole and integrated into the work of other committees. The Comprehensive School Health Committee has been renamed as the Health and Wellness Committee and a new Advocacy Committee was established.
Not all work happens at the Board of Directors meetings. Board members are engaged in committee work, and many have participated in a national roundtable discussion on emerging educational issues across Canada.
The CSBA and our members continue to support local governance and will be working to ensure our advocacy work continues to focus on these efforts. We have established a Communications Leads Working Group from our member associations to increase collaboration. I am excited to see how together we can leverage our collective voices to promote the importance of local voices and local choices.
As a national organization, we work to leverage the benefits of broad discussions and bringing partners together. As every year, I am greatly looking forward to bringing together elected board members and trustees, along with many different education partners, in Whistler at the 2026 Trustees Gathering on Education, Innovation and Reconciliation. The gathering will offer sessions on:
- Truth and Reconciliation
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Student Success
- Leadership
- Emerging issues: AI and Climate Change
Together, we will explore how strong, inclusive governance can transform systems, deepen relationships and create equitable opportunities for every learner. I look forward to seeing you all in Whistler in July, and hearing from speakers, presenters and fellow CSBA members.
It has been an incredible four years as President, and a true honour. The dedication and commitment to public education by elected school board members and trustees throughout Canada is inspiring. Thank you for everything you do – around the board table and in the community – to support our students and support our future.
Regards, Alan Campbell, President
Read the full June 2026 President's Bulletin for the complete update.