Alberta Teachers Association Municipal Election Advocacy Survey: Horizon School Division

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Taber Times

By Tyson Niwa
Local Political Engagement Officer
Horizon #4 – Alberta Teachers Association

“In my role, I advocate for members of the public to become more engaged with the political landscape in their communities,” said Niwa, explaining the impetus behind the ATA’s election survey. “Our group at the local level decided that we needed to work harder this year to ensure people felt informed on whom they were voting for in local school board trustee elections. We gathered 20+ diverse questions from teachers, and posed them in a survey to all members running for school board trustee in the Horizon School Division. These candidates were asked to respond to 3-5 questions… to boost engagement, and provide the public with a better sense of connection with their possible new trustees.”

The following is a selection of responses received from two candidates for Horizon School Division board of trustees Ward 3.

Kurt Carver, Ward 3 (Taber)

1) If elected, what will your experience bring to this role?

I bring a mix of professional and personal experience that I believe will serve this role well. Professionally, I work as a public servant with the Municipal District of Taber, which has given me a solid understanding of planning, infrastructure, and managing public funds responsibly. These are all key when it comes to making sound decisions at the board level.

On a personal note, I’m also a parent, and my own kids have thrived thanks to the strong education they received in the Horizon School Division. That gives me a real, firsthand appreciation for the work our schools do, and a deep commitment to making sure that all students have access to the same great opportunities. I want to make decisions that are both fiscally responsible and always focused on what’s best for our students and communities.

2) How would you advocate for your division’s needs if provincial funding or policies don’t align locally? 

When provincial decisions don’t quite fit with what’s happening on the ground in our schools, the board needs to step up and advocate. Here’s how I’d approach it:

• Use Real Data: We need to clearly show how provincial policies impact us locally; whether that’s extra transportation costs, increasing numbers of English as a second language students, or the need for specific programs. Clear, data-backed communication helps decision-makers understand our reality.

• Work Together: I’d look to build strong partnerships with other rural divisions and organizations like Alberta School Boards Association. A united voice across similar school boards can go a long way in getting the province’s attention.

• Find Creative Solutions Locally: While we advocate at the provincial level, we also need to keep looking for smart, efficient ways to work within the system and minimize any negative impacts; especially when it comes to protecting what happens in the classroom.

3) Equity & inclusion are central concerns in public ed. How would you suggest policies that ensure all students—regardless of background, identity, or ability—feel safe and supported in classrooms? 

Creating safe, welcoming schools for all students is non-negotiable in public education. Here are some things I’d support:

• Strong, Clear Expectations: Keep a clear code of conduct in place that addresses bullying, harassment, and discrimination directly, and promote restorative practices so students feel heard, respected, and safe.

• Better Community Support: Strengthen outreach programs and potentially add roles that build on the great work of our Low German Mennonite liaisons. These positions help families feel more comfortable, navigate the school system, and encourage attendance.

• Targeted Resource Use: We need to look at where support services are most needed and make sure resources like English language specialists and educational aides are going where they’ll make the biggest difference.

• Staff Training: Ensure that teachers and staff have access to ongoing training in inclusive practices and cultural responsiveness; especially focused on our local context, like working with Indigenous and Low German Mennonite communities, as well as trauma-informed approaches.

4) Rural-Specific Challenges 

Rural school divisions face some unique hurdles. Here’s how I’d approach the big ones:

• Teacher Recruitment & Retention: We need to make it attractive for teachers to come and stay in our division. That could mean stronger mentorship for new staff, more rural-relevant professional development, and community efforts to help new teachers feel at home. Supporting local students who want to become teachers could also be a great long-term strategy.

• Program Options in Small Schools: Smaller schools shouldn’t mean fewer opportunities. I’d support collaborative programming between schools, flexible delivery (like blended or online courses), and rotating course offerings to help keep choices broad and quality high.

• Transportation: In a large division like ours, getting students to and from school efficiently is always going to be a big piece of the puzzle. I’d support regular reviews of our routes and schedules to keep things running smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively.

5) Budget Priorities

When money’s tight, I believe the classroom has to come first. Here’s how I see it:

• Support for Students and Teachers: Protecting funding for teaching staff, learning materials, and student support services (like mental health and special education) should always be the top priority.

• Running Efficiently: We also need to keep looking for ways to make the system run more efficiently; from how we use our buildings to how we manage contracts and technology.

• Be Honest and Plan Ahead: Budget decisions should be clear and transparent, so people understand why choices are made. We can’t just think year to year; we need solid long-term planning to avoid surprises down the road.

LaNae Baker, Ward 3 (Taber)

1) What is the role of education within your riding?

The role of education is to provide opportunities. Education is access to opportunities and we have a responsibility to provide that to all children. We have a diverse population in our riding and we can see some of the generational changes that are happening now because of education. As individuals learn to read, write, ask questions, create, develop critical thinking skills, become good citizens, and engage with others they have the chance to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

2) What do you believe are the largest/most meaningful successes in the context of rural education? Community engagement?

I strongly believe that one of the most meaningful successes in rural education that we have accomplished is hiring and maintaining excellent teachers and staff. As we  continue to do so, we create an environment in which our learners can thrive. I have seen first hand the passion, ingenuity, and forward thinking all of my children’s teachers possess as I have volunteered regularly in the classroom. Teachers that care and are passionate about what they do really make the difference in a child’s learning experience. I grew up in a city and had opportunities to see and experience many different ideas and activities. Here, in a rural setting, my kids have had just as many opportunities to experience and learn thanks in large part to their teachers engaging the community. Community members regularly volunteer their time, skills, knowledge and resources providing more opportunities. This leads to a high level of unity within our community as schools become places that bring people together and show one another support and care.

3) How do you balance personal beliefs with the responsibility to serve in the best interest of all students in a non-partisan, publicly accountable way?

I think this is where it is very important to have a board that is able to communicate and work effectively. Of course everyone comes to the table with different backgrounds and personal beliefs, but as a team it is essential that every member engages with those in their jurisdiction asking what is needed and what they see as possible solutions. After listening to shareholders, gathering evidence, and researching best practices, we then meet and discuss holding ourselves and each other accountable to the needs of the students.

4) Academic Programming

I believe that maintaining diverse academic and extracurricular programming within our smaller rural schools is very important. A student is not one sided and neither are learning styles, as such education shouldn’t be.  Whether it be music, arts, technology, athletics, trades, agriculture, these are all areas that are great to include in Education. It is great to see an increase in the collaboration of schools with colleges, businesses, and communities to allow students to engage in and out of the classroom through a variety of programs.