The Lethbridge School Division is planning for classes to start Sept. 2, 2025, as planned, despite the possibility of a teachers' strike. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge School Division still planning Sept. 2 start, despite potential strike

Aug 26, 2025 | 12:11 PM

Public school officials in Lethbridge are preparing for the start of a new school year, despite shaky tensions between teachers and the province.

Jason Schilling, President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, said Monday that he hopes to avoid a strike, but that a number of issues still need to be resolved.

Back in June, teachers voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action if a new deal is not reached with the Alberta Government, which Schilling says is a sign that current pay, classroom conditions, crowding and resources for students are unacceptable.

If an agreement is reached before the end of this week, teachers will head to their classrooms on September 2 as scheduled. But, if the two sides are unable to agree, the union said it will consider its next steps, which could include a province-wide strike.

A spokesperson for the Lethbridge School Division told LNN that they are preparing for operations as normal for the 2025/26 school year, which includes a Sept. 2 start.

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The Division, however, states that it has no control over labour negotiations and that things could change in the coming days.

For that reason, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division said in a statement to LNN that it is unable to comment at this time.

READ MORE: Alberta teacher contract talks resume ahead of school year, possible strike