Through the Education Act, the Minister of Education assigns, to the Horizon School Division Board of Trustees (the Board), the responsibility of providing a public education system that organizes and operates in the best interests of students and their parents or guardians. In Alberta, school boards are considered statutory corporations empowered by the provincial government to govern local education. This structure reflects the principle that decisions made at the community-level are more effective and responsive to local needs.
The Board carries out this responsibility by devising and implementing local educational policy and through the efficient use of available resources.
All Horizon School Division Trustees share the responsibility of representing all of our Horizon School Division families and stakeholders.
Public School Boards have significant responsibilities in the provincial education system, including:
- Planning for the division and setting long-term priorities.
- Evaluating the performance of the superintendent and the overall system.
- Communicating achievements and results to the public and advocating for funding and resources.
- Promoting public education as a cornerstone of a democratic society.
By fulfilling these responsibilities as part of school boards, trustees ensure Alberta’s education system remains inclusive, equitable and high performing.
For the 2025 Election The Board of Trustees of Horizon School Division will have eight (8) trustees, representing the following Wards:
| WARD # | # OF TRUSTEES | DESCRIPTION |
| Ward 1 | 1 | Enchant, Lomond, Armada Colony, Cameron Farms, Copperfield Colony, Enchant Colony, Lomond Colony |
| Ward 2 | 1 | Hays, Vauxhall |
| Ward 3 | 4 | Barnwell, Taber |
| Ward 4 | 1 | Grassy Lake, Warner, Delco Colony, Evergreen Colony, Hillridge Colony, Kingsland Colony, Midland Colony, Oaklane Colony, Sunnysite Colony |
| Ward 5 | 1 | Coutts, Milk River, Bluegrass Colony, Elmspring Colony, Fairlane Colony, Goldspring Colony, Milow Colony, Prairiehome Colony, River Road Colony |
Electoral Division Map - Horizon School Division
Horizon School Division's five wards are outlined in the Electoral Division Map. Click the link above to view and download a larger PDF copy of the Electoral Division Map.
The Local Authoritiies Election Act’s eligibility requirements apply to both voters and candidates.
General Eligibility
A person can be nominated as a school board trustee in any election if they:
- are eligible to vote in the election; the following criteria determine eligibility to vote
- are at least 18 years of age;
- are a Canadian citizen; and
- reside in Alberta and their place of residence is located in the school board’s boundaries on election day
- have been a resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward for the six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day; and
- are not otherwise ineligible.
Ineligibility
A person is ineligible to be nominated in any election if they:
- are the auditor of the local jurisdiction;
- are an employee of the school board for which the election is to be held unless they take a leave of absence, including:
- a school division;
- a charter school; or
- a private school.
- owe the local jurisdiction for any debt exceeding $500 and are in default for more than 90 days; or
- have been convicted of an offence under the LAEA, the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act or the Canada Elections Act within the last 10 years
Nominations can be accepted from January 1, 2025 – September 22, 2025 (noon). Completed nomination forms must be physically submitted to the Returning Officer, Philip Johansen at the Horizon School Division office at 6302 56th Street, Taber, AB T1G 1Z9.
The following forms must be filed with the Returning Officer:
- Notice of Intent
- Form 4 – Nomination Paper
- Form 5 – Candidate Financial Information
- Criminal Record Check
Nominations must be signed by at least five electors. These electors must be residents of the school board on the date they signed the form, and they must be eligible to vote in the election.
The Returning Officer cannot accept the following for filing:
- a nomination that isn’t completed in Form 4;
- a nomination that isn’t signed by at least the minimum number of people required;
- a nomination not accompanied by a notice (Notice of Intent) regarding contributions and expenses
- a nomination that isn’t sworn or affirmed by the person nominated;
- a nomination not accompanied by a criminal record check.
A candidate may withdraw their nomination within 24 hours of the end of nomination day, up until 12:00 p.m. the day after nomination day. A candidate must file with the Returning Officer in writing.
A nominated person can withdraw any time during the nomination period.
Candidates are encouraged to review the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) s.147 for detailed rules regarding campaign finances.
Basic rules include:
- Contributions to a campaign cannot be accepted until a Notice of Intent has been filed with the Returning Officer.
- Contributions to a campaign can only be from individuals and organizations residing in Alberta.
- Candidates may contribute up to $10,000 to their own campaign expenses.
- A separate campaign account must be opened after contributions exceed $1,000