Trustees Consider Criminal Record Checks for Nominations

The Board of Trustees passed first reading on a by-law that would require all Trustees to provide a criminal record check with their election nomination package for the October 20, 2025 general election. This would include anyone (incumbents and new nominees) who wish to run for the position of School Board Trustee to provide a criminal record check. The second and third readings of this proposed by-law will take place at the Board Meeting on December 17, 2024.

The Government of Alberta's Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (formerly Bill 20) created changes to local election rules and processes. These changes include allowing municipalities to require criminal record checks for local candidates.

Currently, all Livingstone Range School Division employees are required to have a criminal record check on file. Trustees currently do not require a criminal record check, as they do not work directly with minors and are not Division employees but rather elected officials.

At their December meeting the Trustees will review additional information they requested in order to further consider requiring Trustee candidates to provide a criminal record check. Stakeholders who wish to provide feedback about the proposed by-law in Livingstone Range School Division can do so by emailing engage@lrsd.ab.ca by December 13.