EPSB ‘complying’ with new government book order as trustees start focus on re-election
Posted September 10, 2025 5:52 pm.
As Alberta’s school year begins, education boards are already grappling with a growing list of challenges, including a provincial government ban on books with sexual images and a looming teachers’ strike.
It all started after a list from the Edmonton Public Schools Board was leaked online showing over 200 books slated to be removed for “explicit sexual content.”
Julie Kusiek, EPSB chair, says at this time, the school board does not know where the leak came from.
“We are looking into what happened there and are taking the necessary steps,” Kusiek said.
On the new order issued Monday, she simply says staff are following it as they’re required.
“As with any government order or piece of legislation, schools’ boards must comply,” said Kusiek. “Just like any other citizen needs to comply with the laws, whether you like them or not. And certainly, we are complying with the new ministerial order.”
Teachers meanwhile are still not negotiating with the province. Wages remain a top issue since talks broke down two weeks ago.
“It’s the reality of where things are today and as far as what happens, we will know when you know,” said Kusiek.
Re-election campaign
These issues aside, EPSB held its final meeting so most trustees can focus on their re-election campaign. When the school board returns at the end of October, it will look different with at least five new faces.
Three trustees resigned during this term and two incumbents are retiring, Ward B’s Marsha Nelson, and Dawn Hancock who represented wards C and E.
The only male trustee, Saadiq Sumar, is looking for another term after failing to become the Alberta NDP’s candidate in the Edmonton Ellerslie byelection this past summer.
Kusiek, Jan Sawyer, and Sherri O’Keefe have all submitted paperwork to be on the ballot again.
