Holst announces resignation from HSD board, Oct. 26 by-election upcoming

Posted on September 24, 2026 by admin

By Cal Braid
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 On Sept. 2, Horizon School Division announced an upcoming by-election triggered by the resignation of trustee Maxwell Holst of Ward 3. At the Aug. 31 board meeting, Holst submitted his resignation and the board elected to hold the by-election on Oct. 26 to fill the vacancy. Ward 3 represents the communities of Barnwell, Taber and the surrounding attendance boundaries.

 HSD trustee Philip Johansen forwarded the eligibility requirements for candidates as outlined in the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).

 It stated that a person can be nominated as a school board trustee in an election if they are eligible to vote in the election and 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.

 Candidates are required to have been a resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward for six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day.

 Ineligible individuals include auditors of the local jurisdiction, employees of HSD unless they take a leave of absence, or owe the local jurisdiction for any debt exceeding $500 and are in default for more than 90 days.

 Any person who has 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 is ineligible. Candidates must also submit to a criminal record check.

 Nomination forms must be signed by at least five electors who are 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: 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 of Intent regarding contributions and expenses; a nomination that isn’t sworn or affirmed by the person nominated; or a nomination not accompanied by a criminal record check.

 HSD serves approximately 3,600 students Kindergarten to Grade 12 in 39 schools, including 19 Hutterite schools and three outreach schools located in Southern Alberta. The school programs operate in nine communities – Barnwell, Enchant, Grassy Lake, Hays, Lomond, Taber, Vauxhall, Warner, and Milk River. Further details are online at www.horizon.ab.ca under the board and by-election links.