New HSD trustee appreciates the impact teachers can have on a child’s future

Posted on November 12, 2026 by admin

By Cal Braid
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 An Oct. 26 vote filled the vacancy on Horizon School Division’s board of trustees and John Findlay won out as the representative for Ward 3, which encompasses Barnwell, Taber and the surrounding attendance boundaries.

 Of the 281 ballots cast, Findlay won 118 of those votes, while Chad McClenaghan took 101, and Barbara Wilson garnered 61.

 Findlay, along with his wife and three daughters, moved to Taber just over two years ago, and he said they’ve come to love the community. His daughters all attend school within the division and Findlay said the family appreciates how welcoming the schools have been.

 “Our daughters have had a very positive experience settling in, making friends, and becoming part of their school communities. As parents, we’ve been genuinely impressed with what we’ve seen,” he said, also noting that his work managing the Coulee Cafe has opened a door for him to make valuable connections with the locals.

 He said he was inspired to run for the trustee position because of the important role education has played in his life, “Not only in providing opportunities, but also in shaping how I think and understand the world around me.”

 “In my previous community, I spent many years coaching youth sports, volunteering with PALS, and helping adults develop their reading skills. That experience gave me a real appreciation for the importance of literacy and the tremendous impact teachers can have on a child’s future. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that whenever I’ve given my time to my community, I’ve always received far more in return than I’ve contributed.”

 His background in business management, project management, and working with people makes him well-suited for the role.

 “I’ve spent much of my career managing budgets, solving problems, and finding practical ways to get things done,” he said.

 He believes in the importance of fiscal responsibility, especially when dealing with public money. That said, he knows that running a school division ”isn’t simply a numbers exercise.”

 His priority is ensuring that the resources available to HSD are being used effectively, with the greatest possible benefit reaching students and classrooms. In addition to that, he acknowledges that the board must recognize the challenges teachers face and to ensure they have the support and resources they need to succeed.

  “Teachers need the resources and support to do their jobs well, and students need an environment where they can succeed. I also think it’s important to listen. A trustee should be willing to hear different perspectives, ask good questions, and make decisions based on the best information available.”

 He re-emphasized the sense of school community that greeted his daughters when they arrived here, and wants to ensure that every student has that same sense of belonging.

 “Sports are a wonderful way to build friendships and confidence, but they’re not for everyone. I believe schools should offer a wide variety of opportunities, whether through athletics, music, the arts, clubs, or other activities, so every student has a chance to discover their interests and feel that they belong.”

 He said he intends to approach the trustee position with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to making thoughtful, responsible decisions.

 “Having three daughters in the Horizon School Division certainly gives me a personal interest in education, but my motivation goes beyond that. I’ve always enjoyed being involved in my community, and becoming a trustee seemed like a meaningful way to continue contributing.”