We hope you had a wonderful summer filled with rest, connection, and time with family and friends. As we step into the 2025/2026 school year, there is an incredible sense of energy in our schools. The excitement of students returning, the joy of reconnecting with classmates, and the anticipation of new opportunities remind us why the start of a school year is so special.
We are so grateful you are part of the Horizon School Division community, and we look forward to working together to support every student’s learning journey.
As the school year begins, we also want to share some information regarding the ongoing provincial bargaining process between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
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The teachers’ collective agreement expired in August 2024, and provincial negotiations have been underway since then.
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Earlier this year, a mediator recommended a settlement, but it was not ratified.
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In June, approximately 94.5% of participating teachers voted in favour of possible job action. This gives the ATA up to 120 days to act, with 72 hours’ notice required before any job action begins.
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Possible job action could take different forms, including “work to rule” (withdrawal of voluntary services), rotating strikes, or a full strike.
What This Means for Our Schools
At this time, Horizon schools are open and ready to welcome students. Both the ATA and TEBA have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, and we remain hopeful that progress will be made.
While we are not directly involved in central bargaining, please know Horizon School Division is committed to keeping families informed. Should there be changes that impact school operations, we will share updates as quickly as possible.
Our Commitment to You
We recognize this uncertainty may raise questions and concerns for families. Please be assured our priority will always be the safety, well-being, and learning of our students.
To support families, we will:
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Provide timely updates through email, our Division website, and social media.
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Share important information promptly if circumstances change.
We are thankful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, who continue to provide caring, supportive learning environments for students every day.
As we begin this new school year together, let’s celebrate the opportunities ahead, support one another through challenges, and look forward to a year of learning, growth, and connection.
Who is involved in negotiations?
Negotiations are happening at the provincial level between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), which represents government and school authorities. Horizon School Division is not directly involved in these talks but is represented by TEBA in the process.
What is “job action”?
Job action is a legal step that may follow if an agreement is not reached. It could include:
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Work to rule: teachers only perform duties outlined in their contract, pausing voluntary activities like clubs.
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Rotating strikes: some schools may experience short-term closures on a rotating basis.
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Full strike: all teachers across the province could withdraw services.
Will schools close if there is job action?
Not necessarily. Many forms of job action (like work to rule) do not directly impact classroom instruction. Schools will remain open unless specific notice is provided otherwise.
How will families be informed of changes?
If there is any change that impacts school operations, we will:
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Send updates by email.
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Post information on our Division website and official social media.
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Use our call-out/text system for urgent messages.