Red Deer Public Schools won’t hold by-election to fill trustee vacancy
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Following the passing of a long-time trustee last month, the Red Deer Public School Board of Trustees has decided not to hold a by-election before next year’s regularly scheduled election.
Trustee Bill Christie passed away in August at the age of 73. With his passing, a vacancy now exists on the seven-member board of trustees.
Alberta’s Education Act allows boards to decide whether to have a by-election. Given provisions in the Local Authorities Election Act on timing for nominations and the election periods, District officials say holding by-election dates would not have happened until either November 16 or December 14, 2020, leaving the newly-elected trustee less than a year to serve ahead of the next election slated for October 18, 2021.
“Given the timing and that our Trustees are elected at large, representing the entire city, as opposed to a ward system, the Board felt that together, the current six trustees could effectively govern and represent the students and families they serve,” said Board Chair Nicole Buchanan.
