HSD reminds trustee nominees of process and timing

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At a recent Horizon School Division board meeting, Supt. Wilco Tymensen reminded potential candidates for school board trustee of the rules by which they must comply in order to register and qualify for the upcoming election.

 Tymensen said the home page on the HSD website has election information posted under ‘News’. “There’s a link for calling for nominations. The nomination period started Jan. 1, and goes right up until nomination day. Nomination day is Monday, Sept. 22 at noon,” he said.

 The site contains information about what it is to be a trustee and how the board is structured. The division has added a trustee for the next election cycle, and along with an electoral map, it details the eligibility criteria listed for anyone who’s interested in running.

 New to this election cycle is a board resolution that candidates must pass a criminal record check. For nominations, candidates must provide a notice of intent before they can accept campaign contributions or funding. The notice of intent can come before a nomination form. Form 4 is linked on the website for the nomination papers and Form 5 is a requirement for candidate financial information.

 “And of course, it says that all candidates must submit a criminal record check,” Tymensen reminded the board.

 “Just a reminder to the individuals here, and I know media is in the room as well: Criminal record checks don’t just happen overnight. And so if you are thinking of running, you may want to think about doing that sooner than later. There are times where the backlog may take several weeks. And so if you’re thinking of the deadline for nominations, it is Sept. 16. If you go to the police station on the 15th, you won’t have your criminal record check by the 16th.”

 As long as it’s submitted between Jan. 1 and Sept. 16 the application will be approved, Tymensen said. Individuals who hand in nomination forms before nomination day can withdraw at any time up to nomination day, and within 24 hours after nominations close.

Potential candidates should also be aware of the rules around campaign finances. Disclosures of campaign funds are required if a campaign receives more than $1,000 total. Tymensen recommended that candidates contact the division if additional clarity is needed. Resources like a link to the Local Authorities Election Act and the school board’s election guide are also online.