For the first time, Rocky View Schools (RVS) will require a $100 deposit to accompany a trustee candidate’s nomination package. While the bylaw change hasn’t officially been approved, it received first and second reading at the Nov. 28 trustee board meeting.
Amendments proposed by Bill 20 affecting the local authority elections act (LAEA) meant trustees had to make the decision whether to change deposit and signature requirements for next year's nominees before Dec. 31, 2024.
Historically, RVS did not require a deposit amount for a general election.
Trustee Melyssa Bowen spoke against the change, stating it would pose a barrier for individuals considering running for the role as trustee. She said the deposit is on the lower end but that it can still be challenging.
“Where some of us don’t see this as a barrier, I think that comes from a little bit of a place of privilege in some cases,” she said. “A hundred dollars is a lot to some people, and it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have the opportunity to put their name forward for something like this.”
While other trustees said the deposit ensures nominees are serious, Bowen pointed out that seats are often acclaimed and more should be done to encourage people to run as candidates.
“This is an election," she said, "you’re on a ballot and people have to vote for you, I think that already shows that this is serious;" adding that nominees have to fill out a nomination package, already put dollars into their campaign, and take part in an orientation to learn about the significance of the role.
Trustee Todd Brand agreed with Bowen.
“If we’re making a change to what we’re doing, it should be for a strategic purpose, and I don’t see a strategic purpose in this,” he stated.
In response to Brand, Trustee Shali Baziuk noted the strategic purpose is to elevate the role of trustees.
Trustee Norma Lang noted that $100 isn’t a barrier in today’s day and age, adding it reflects seriousness of the role and potentially evokes more interest. Trustee Fred Burley agreed $100 isn’t an impediment, and that running means they will spend more money anyway.
The bylaw will come back to the board for third reading on Dec. 12.
Signature requirement
On top of the deposit, nominees may also require 20 signatures in the 2025 election, compared to 10 signatures required in 2021. The bylaw received first and second reading, with the third reading to come back on Dec. 12.
Again, Bowen spoke in opposition to this change. She said prior to 2021, only five signatures were required, which was already doubled for the 2021 election.
She would like to see more people put their name forward for the role of trustee, she reiterated.
“I think that this creates a bit of an unfair advantage for us as already-sitting trustees (as) we do attend school council meetings, (and) we’ve been able to make connections with people,” she said, noting it’s easier for existing trustees to get those 20 signatures.
Lang said reaching out to 20 people for signatures helps create awareness about the election. She added it’s also important for people to understand that providing a signature doesn’t mean they must vote or support that candidate.
“We all know 20 people in our communities," Lang said. "Maybe we don't know 20 people that would vote for us, but we know 20 people who are registered voters."
The board then appointed Michelle Groff as returning officer, a role she served in previously during the 2021 election. The board also approved entering into agreements with municipalities to facilitate joint elections, improving efficiency and reducing burden on resources.
The election day for municipal government and school board trustees is Oct. 20, 2025.
