Parental Power Play: Calgary School Boards in the Spotlight

While the Mayoral race grabs the headlines, a truly significant political battle is playing out for the heart of our city's public education system.

On Monday, October 20, 2025, Calgarians won't just be voting for Mayor; they'll be deciding who controls the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), which manages policy and resources for over 130,000 students. This year, the election is unusually polarized, largely driven by coordinated campaigns seeking to elect trustees aligned with specific educational and social mandates.

A major push by these advocacy groups is stirring conversations about parental consent policies—specifically, implementing rules that would mirror recent provincial legislation regarding student name and pronoun usage. Supporters view this as restoring transparency and parental authority, while critics warn that electing a slate of politically motivated trustees could undermine safe and inclusive spaces for marginalized students, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.
​

This isn't academic debate; this is a fight for the classroom budget.
​The school board sets the tone for how resources are spent, where funding goes, and how quickly the CBE adapts to its diverse student body. Critics fear that a shift toward conservative social values will distract from crucial issues like addressing classroom complexity and tackling the effects of years of underfunding that plague our public system.

Calgary, known for its multiculturalism and welcoming spirit, is at a crossroads. The outcome of the trustee election will directly influence teacher autonomy, student safety, and the kind of education our children receive every single day.

It's essential to look past the mayoral buzz and check your ballot before Monday. The trustees you elect will determine the culture and direction of our city's largest public service. Here’s to staying informed and active in shaping our educational landscape!