It may seem early to start talking about the municipal election, but that's exactly what the Rocky View School Board did at this morning's meeting (March 16).

2017 is an election year, and the board unanimously agreed to hold joint elections with eight municipalities in the school division, including Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere. A number of trustees expressed that since this is how trustee elections have been handled for some time, it made sense to stick to the status quo. For one, it makes the process easier for voters as they already understand the process, and could result in increased voter turnout, as expressed by Trustees Bev LaPeare and Norma Lang. Lang also mentioned it could make it easier for new candidates to run in the upcoming election.

During the discussions, the board decided to forego adding a special school tax levy during this election. Trustee Helen Clease stated she felt there was no appetite among the electorate for a tax levy, and therefore it should not be added.

The board also tabled discussions about whether a bylaw should be introduced that would make it necessary for all trustee candidates to disclose to the public audited statements of their campaign contributions and expenses. A number of trustees felt they needed more time to come to a decision on that matter. That point will be discussed at a future board meeting.

 

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