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2025

  • 3 min read

The Importance of Knowing the Public Trustees on the Municipal Election Ballot

August 11, 2025 Linda Lindsay

The Importance of Knowing the Public Trustees on the Municipal Election Ballot

As a child, whenever an election was called, my sister and I would accompany our parents to the polling station to watch them cast their vote and participate in the democratic process. My parents would often conclude the outing with, “We exercised our franchise”, reiterating the importance of what they had just accomplished. My sister and I learned at a young age the importance, responsibility and right to participate in elections. In a recent conversation with my mom, we discussed the fact that during municipal elections she and my dad were always well informed about the mayoral and city council candidates, but not as much when it came to public school trustee candidates. When I was first eligible to vote, I must confess that I also did not inform myself about the trustee candidates with the same rigorous research for the other positions. With a 32-year career as a teacher and school administrator, I want to share reasons why is it important to have voter knowledge about the trustee candidates on the ballot.

Edmonton Public Schools is the largest public school division in Edmonton, the 2nd largest in Alberta and the 6th largest in Canada, with over 120,000 students, and growing. Elected Edmonton Public school trustees will make decisions that guide the educational experience for all learners with a budget of $1.42 billion for the 2025-26 school year. School trustees directly influence the quality of education. Through shaping of educational policies and priorities, the impact on learners, their families, and communities can be profound. Public school trustees are the important connection between communities and the school boards, ensuring effective communication. They are responsible to ensure that schools meet the diverse needs of students in their communities, and the entire district. Together, trustees are responsible to their communities for the quality of education in local schools within the approved financial framework from the provincial government.

The role of trustee is important. A strong public education system serves the public good and is accessible to every child in every neighbourhood. Elected public trustees are accountable to the constituents who elect them, and the students they serve. Edmonton Public Schools says, “The goal of public education is to enhance pathways for student success. The commitment to high-quality public education serves the community and empowers each student to live a life of dignity, fulfillment, empathy, and possibility.” How important is this! I truly believe this was the gift I experienced as an Edmonton Public School student. Public education is a collective responsibility. My public education experience was rich, and with the love and support of my family; my education set me up for a life of dignity, fulfillment, empathy and possibility. The trustees certainly would have been making decisions that impacted my education and opportunities as I moved forward.

When I cast my vote in any election, federal, provincial or municipal, it is important that I choose representatives who are going to make decisions that reflect my values and hopes for the future. The decisions and advocacy work of public school trustees will have direct impact on the citizens of tomorrow. As students graduate, with aspirations for a fulfilling life and move towards contributing to a strong and democratic society, they will be grounded in their ability to make good decisions. My desire is that more voters consider researching candidates who are stepping up to be on the ballot for the October 20th, 2025 municipal election. Understanding and being knowledgeable about the candidates running for these important political positions allows voters to make informed decisions that reflect their values and aspirations for their children, their communities and the future. Trustee candidates; check them out.

Linda Lindsay / B.Ed.

Retired Edmonton Public School Teacher and Administrator

  • 2 min read

About Me

I am a proud Edmontonian, born and raised. As a child my family moved frequently. These fresh starts at new schools often felt a bit scary, but no matter where I landed, I was welcomed and supported by caring and dedicated teachers and support staff. The care and concern of my teachers and the love and support of my family helped me to build resilience, gain confidence and push through challenges. This is what I wish for all children.

My husband and I have lived in Ward B for twenty-eight years. It is here that we raised and educated our children. In fact, they attended a junior high school where I was also a student. We are now blessed with grandchildren. The time we have with them is precious; we often get the giggles just watching them play. They are a joy, and we are grateful.

I love public education. From grade one to graduation, I was mentored by strong dedicated teachers. Teachers who supported me academically, musically, and athletically. These three components helped me move through university days and remain important in my life. In grade nine I decided to be a teacher. I revered my teachers and wanted to be like them. My dream became a reality.

I am excited to be running for school board trustee in Ward B. I am passionate about a strong and progressive public school system that serves and supports all students in all neighbourhoods. Classrooms today have diverse populations, and students often have complex needs. I understand this as an educator and a parent. One of our grown children lives with special needs; I understand the challenge of securing supports. As an educator, I had the privilege of working for the district when there was a strong and reliable funding model. I want to see a return to the level of support for students. I support and stand by the Edmonton Public School mission statement – “a commitment to high quality public education that serves the community and empowers each student to live a life of dignity, fulfillment, empathy, and possibility.”

VOTE FOR ME, LINDA LINDSAY!

  • 1 min read

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