ATM: Flourishing CommUNITY Framework in the Foothills
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Rural schools and communities across Alberta face unique and rapidly evolving challenges driven by economic shifts, population changes, and increasing complexity in social and environmental contexts. In response, the Safeguarding Rural Schools and Communities initiative aims to establish a collaborative framework, beginning in the spring of 2026, that empowers schools, municipalities, families, Indigenous partners, businesses, and service organizations to work together for the well-being and resilience of all children and families.
Why a Community Partnership Approach?
- Rural and Urban Disparities: Many rural communities are experiencing resource limitations and population shifts, making it harder to sustain local schools and essential services. Forming integrated partnerships ensures equitable access to learning and support for families regardless of location.
- Mental Health and Well-being: Rising youth mental health concerns require coordinated systems that extend beyond schools, offering accessible, culturally relevant supports anchored in trusted relationships.
- Economic Uncertainty: Alberta’s evolving economy means communities must nurture adaptability and lifelong resilience in young people. Collaboration between education, business, and local organizations helps build skilled and resilient citizens.
- Climate & Environmental Challenges: Rural areas face heightened risks from floods, droughts, and other climate events. Integrated community leadership and education are vital for building local resilience.
Guiding Principles
- Flourishing for All: Inspired by contemporary research, the partnership’s foundation is a commitment to human flourishing—prioritizing belonging, well-being, and lifelong learning.
- Systemic Resilience: Drawing on social-ecological resilience models, the initiative recognizes that strong, coordinated systems are needed to help families and youth access resources, navigate challenges, and overcome barriers.
- Intentional Partnerships: Schools, municipalities, and local governments, and local business and service organizations must intentionally align goals, share knowledge, and coordinate services to create the conditions for thriving.
Key Actions
- Engage rural and urban leaders, including school divisions, local governments, Indigenous partners, service groups, faith groups, and businesses, to co-design responsive, place-based solutions and partnerships that prioritize our local community.
- Build stronger partner relationships and resilient support networks.
- Map local resources, identify gaps, and develop collaborative strategies to address both immediate and systemic challenges.
- Centre equity, inclusion, and cultural relevance in all partnerships and interventions.
Together, these efforts can safeguard the future of rural schools and communities —ensuring that, no matter what the future holds, every child and family in the Foothills can access the opportunities and support needed to thrive. This is a collective responsibility, and we invite you, our local leaders and voices, to contribute to and actualize this work.
Yours in learning,
Chris Fuzessy
Superintendent of Schools
Tell Us: What Makes Rural Schools Great
In rural communities, schools are more than places of learning — they’re gathering spaces that shape connection, identity, and belonging. Tell us a story about how your rural school made a meaningful impact in your life or community.
