Overview
Changes to the Education Act passed through Bill 25, An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026, come into effect on September 1, 2026, requiring the minister’s approval before a superintendent’s employment contract or an amendment renewing a superintendent’s employment contract is executed.
The Education Act and related regulations include provisions governing superintendent employment contracts. School authorities are responsible for selecting and appointing or reappointing their superintendents and for ensuring that the candidate and proposed employment meet all applicable requirements.
Before you apply
Before applying for approval of a superintendent employment contract or an amendment renewing an existing contract, school authorities are responsible for reviewing the Education Act and applicable regulations to ensure that the proposed contract complies with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
Submit a completed application form and a copy of the proposed superintendent employment contract or amendment to the contract at least 60 days before the contract start date.
The 60-day review period for the minister’s approval begins only after a complete application has been received.
A contract of employment or renewal of a contract of employment executed before September 1, 2026, does not require prior approval. A contract or renewal of a contract of employment to be executed on or after September 1, 2026, requires the minister’s prior written approval.
Apply for new/renewed contract
To apply for minister approval of a new superintendent contract or the renewal of an existing contract, school authorities must submit:
- a completed Superintendent of School Application for Approval of Contract of Employment or Renewal of Contract of Employment form
- a copy of the proposed superintendent employment contract
Email the application package to [email protected].
Notification of acting appointment
An acting superintendent’s employment contract does not require the minister’s approval.
The Superintendent of Schools Regulation allows a school authority to appoint an acting superintendent to perform the duties of a superintendent on a temporary basis.
The school authority is responsible for ensuring that the contract complies with the legislative requirements for acting appointments.
School authorities must notify the minister of the acting appointment within 14 days of appointment by submitting the Notice of Acting Appointment for Superintendents of Schools form to [email protected].
The minister may request a copy of an acting superintendent’s contract of employment or amendments at any time.
Contact
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2045
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Office of the Executive Director
Teaching and Leadership Excellence Sector
System Excellence Division
Alberta Education and Childcare
2nd Floor, 44 Capital Boulevard
10044 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5E6