Elections
The next election for School Board Trustee is on October 20, 2025.
Notice of Election
Unofficial Nomination Results
Known Candidate Forums
WARD 1 CANDIDATES
Kathy Charchun
As your current school board trustee, I believe the best decisions start with listening. I am committed to representing our communities by hearing diverse perspectives and ensuring that student voices and community priorities guide my work. I approach the trustee role with an informed, research-based perspective, using data and proven practices to strengthen rural schools and maintain high-quality education close to home.
My roots run deep in this district. I grew up on the deRoaldes family farm near Nanton and graduated from local schools before earning my Bachelor of Education in Calgary. My two daughters also attended schools in Nanton and Claresholm, giving me a strong personal connection to the communities I now serve.
With 36 years in education—30 in LRSD as a teacher, principal, and Math Lead—I bring proven experience. My current work with the Alberta Professional Learning Consortium extends this commitment by supporting teachers and leaders across Alberta.
Email: kathycharchuntrustee@gmail.com
Phone: 403-625-8934
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581277773600
Carla Gimber
Carla Gimber was elected as School Trustee in 2021 and has spent four years advocating for students, families and communities. She brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, offering strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Carla has chaired and led committees and completed the ASBA Trustee Governance Certificate through the University of Calgary.
Bilingual in English and French, with additional language skills, she is passionate about accessible second language instruction for all children. Carla believes every Albertan student deserves equal opportunities, regardless of location, and values travel and place-based learning to enrich education. She is committed to safe, supportive environments where students thrive.
Living west of Stavely with her husband and four children, all LRSD students, Carla embraces grassroots values and volunteers with local groups. With proven experience and dedication, she is ready to continue serving as your voice on the Livingstone Range School Division Board of Trustees.
Email: votegimber@gmail.com
Phone: (403) 489-1144
Website: www.carlagimber.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580123683349
Greg Graves
I have proudly called Nanton home for the past 19 years, where my wife and I have been raising or four children. Two of them have graduated from JT Foster High School, with the other two having a combined 5 years left at JT Foster.
For the past twenty-five years I have been self employed in Residential Construction, and in the last two years I have become a Realtor. Additionally I’ve actively contributed to our community as a member of the Nanton Boosters Club for 17 years, and currently serve as the acting President for The Nanton Community and Athletic Society, The Nanton Bus Society and just in the last two years have Started the Nanton School Enhancement Committee which is working towards raising funds to increase the size and amenities at the new A.B. Daley elementary school and renovated J.T. Foster High School.
I aspire to serve as a School Board Trustee to become a dedicated advocate for the parents and students in our community. My approach to this role will honest, personal and attentive to the unique needs and desires of each community. I firmly believe that through open communication, collaboration and hard work we can achieve our goals.
Email: hyggehomes@telus.net
Phone: 403-813-7923
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/GregGraves4LRSDTrustee/?_rdr
Kevin Todd
Nanton has been my home since age two, and my wife Robyn and I are grateful to raise our daughters here. With education close to our hearts, I'm committed to listening, including all voices, and working together for transparent, thoughtful decisions.
My work experience includes finance roles with Engineering Firms, Oil and Gas Field Service, Law Firms. Served on municipal council Town of Nanton two separate terms; familiar with municipal budgeting. Active member on local boards and service clubs over the past 25 years. Future Foundation Treasurer and Nanton Golf Club board member are a couple of the most memorable.
Email: kevin@coolgear.ca
Phone: 403-603-8153
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581294512514#
Brad Toone
As your current Trustee, l've had the immense privilege of serving our community for over a decade, and I believe my record of accomplishment and advocacy demonstrates a deep commitment to our students and schools.
My roots run deep here. As a fifth generation farmer, I understand the values and unique needs of our rural communities. With two daughters currently in high school and a son starting Kindergarten next year, I am personally invested in the long term future and the quality of education in our division.
Like many of you, I believe in the power of service; that's why I also volunteer as a firefighter, a role that reinforces my dedication to the safety and well-being of all our residents. In my 12 years as a Trustee, I have never missed a monthly board meeting. I haven't just attended meetings. l've been a fierce advocate for our division both locally and provincially. I have been involved in numerous provincial education groups and committees. I currently serve as the Chair of the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards, representing over 40 school boards from across the province.
I hope to continue to serve and champion success for all students and improved classroom conditions throughout Livingstone Range and support all our communities.
Email: elect.bradtoone@gmail.com
Phone: (403) 330-1713
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A4dJaKM4t/?mibextid=wwXIfr
WARD 2 CANDIDATES
Barbara Burnett
I am a retired registered nurse having worked in Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass for the majority of my career. I have resided in the Village of Cowley for the last 10 years, and have also lived in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. I have nursed in all three provinces in direct patient care and administration.
During my team as Mayor of Cowley I haven been a board member of Pincher Creek Foundation, Alberta SW, Pincher Creek Health Committee, House and Economic Development committee, and the Police Advisory Committee. During this time I have become acquainted with elected officials and board members of several Southern Alberta communities. I believe this is an asset to the role of School Board Trustee and I would be honored to serve as School Trustee for Ward 2 of Livingstone Range School Division.
Email: barbrn1@shaw.ca
Phone: 587-221-0049
Greg Long
I resided in Lundbreck for 12 years and in Coleman for the past 35 years. A retired teacher, I taught at Isabelle Sellon School and later Crowsnest Consolidated High School. For the past eight years (two terms), I have served as the school board trustee for Ward 2, representing the Crowsnest Pass, Lundbreck and Cowley.
My focus as trustee has always been students first and the best interests of parents, staff and our communities. I make it a priority to attend school and community events to listen, learn, and share information about our school division. During my two terms, I have supported Community/Place-Based Learning, the continued growth of our environmental programs at the PEAKS Collegiate Campus, building phase two of the Collegiate and construction of a new Livingstone School.
With my knowledge, experience and dedication, I am committed to serving as your school board trustee.
Email: atlonglast@shaw.ca
Phone: 403-563-3243
Clara Yagos
Having served as LRSD Trustee in Ward 2 for four terms, I am seeking re-election because of my commitment to education and to students. Having worked in rural schools, and being involved in education as a tacher, administrator, and trustee, I understand the issues facing out public school system.
Upon retirement, I moved back to the family ranch at Lee Lake where I was raised and began volunteering with various non-profit groups (Victim's Services, FCSS, Women's Emergency Shelter, Boys and Girls Club).
I know the difficultries administrators and teachers face in providing a quality education for students with diminishing resources. I would like the opportunity to continue working with parents, students, and staff in this ward. I woudl like to continue contributing to the field that is my passion. Our students are important - they are impacted by decisions made now. My experience, knowledge and commitment will help me as a trustee.
Email: cyagos@jrtwave.com
Phone: 403-625-2340 (home) | 403-308-4021 (cell)
WARD 3 CANDIDATES
Dan Berezan
I believe trusteeship is about collaboration, transparency, and trust. If elected, I will bring an open mind, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to problem-solving on behalf of our ward. My goal is to ensure all voices are heard at the board table, and that decisions are made with an open mind, based on what’s best for students, families, and communities.
One of my priorities will be advocating for proper funding for rural schools, while also ensuring accountability so that every dollar is used effectively to support students.
My wife and I moved to the Pincher Creek area nearly 10 years ago to start our family, and this community has been our home ever since. Over the course of my career, I’ve held leadership roles in finance and as an entrepreneur across the oil and gas, agriculture, and retail industries. In my current occupation as a Product Manager, my focus is on listening, gathering input, and finding the real problem before offering solutions—the same approach I’ll bring to the school board.
Email: danforschooltrustee@gmail.com
Jim Burdett
I am married with 8 children and 20 grandchildren, 11 of those grandchildren are students of Livingstone Range. I have been a farmer for most of my life. Off the farm I managed an agriculture store, worked in the construction industry, and had 2 businesses of my own. I have volunteered as a basketball coach at FP Walshe for 15 years, and also a young men's activity leader for 21 years.
I was first elected to the LRSD board in 2004, and served until 2011, when my employment took us to BC. We came back to Fort Macleod in 2014. I served on the LRSD School Board again from 2017 to 2021. I did not stand for re-election for employment and health reasons. I am bringing 11 years experience back to the table. I am retired and have the time to run in the 2025 election and make education better in our division. 'Every student, every day' needs to be the measure of our decision and actions.
Email: jimboelburdetto@gmail.com
Phone: (587) 220-8952
Lori Hodges
Over the past 4 terms I’ve worked hard to be a strong voice for students, families and our community. I’ve stood for responsible spending, supported our teachers and staff and kept students’ success at the heart of every decision. I am running again because I believe experience and leadership matter- there’s more we can accomplish together. With your support I’ll continue to work hard and advocate for every student every day!
Email: Jlhodges@shaw.ca
Savitree (Savi) Houldin-Yaworsky
I am a retired teacher with 30 years of experience, advocating for a well-funded public education system.
Since moving to Pincher Creek in 2010, I have actively volunteered with various local organizations (Dolphins Swim Club, Mustangs Football Club, Westcastle Ski Club, Matthew Halton Booster Club, Pincher Creek Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, Windy Slopes Health Foundation, Pincher Creek Lions Club and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village). My involvement with the Alberta Teachers’ Association at both local and provincial levels has helped to inform my perspective on education.
My community involvement combined with my teaching experience has given me a strong understanding of today’s classrooms, the challenges teachers face, and the hopes parents hold for their children. I’m ready to bring this knowledge and dedication to the role of School Trustee and to serve our community with commitment and care.
Email: savi.houldin1@gmail.com
Phone: 403-339-1433
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/savi.houldin.yaworsky.for.ward.3.livin
Linda McClelland (Hammond)
I believe that investing in our children is the most effective way to strengthen our communities. Recently retired from teaching and 18 years of experience - ranging from Grade 1 through Adult Education - I have seen firsthand the impact of strong, supportive learning environments. For the past 8 years, I have also served as an ATA Representative, advocating for both educators and students. As a proud parent of three children who have graduated from this division and a ‘bonus son’ currently in school, I am deeply invested in the success of our schools and the future of our students. As a business owner and rancher, I understand hard work, common sense, and careful planning.
I am eager to bring my experience, skills, and knowledge to the school division as a trustee, working to ensure that every student has the resources and support they need to succeed. I’ll advocate for stable funding while exploring new revenue ideas to strengthen our schools and community.
Email: lmcclelland1010@gmail.com
Phone: 403-632-5349
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/LindaMcClelland4LRSDTrustee
FAQs for Candidates
Important Dates for Election 2025
Elected School Board Trustees
Through the Education Act, Alberta's legislation has delegated some authority for the governance of education to school boards. As statutory corporations, school boards have obligations to perform and they have been given powers to carry out these tasks.
The citizens of our Wards elect Trustees to govern The Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) on their behalf. Trustee elections occur every four years, during the same time as municipal elections.
The role of the Trustee is to be a contributing member of the Board as it carries out its governance mandate in order to achieve Livingstone Range School Division's mission.
Livingstone Range School Division promotes and encourages its interested citizens to run for the office of elected school board Trustee. The Division is committed to providing an environment that will give all candidates fair access to the electorate.
Eligibility to Become a Trustee
The Local Authorities Election Act, states in section 21(1) that a person may be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if on nomination day the person
(a) is eligible to vote in that election,
(b) has been a resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward, if any, for 6 consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day, and
(c) is not otherwise ineligible or disqualified
DISCLAIMER: It is the candidate's responsibility to read and understand the legislation, or to seek appropriate legal or accounting advice from professionals as required. The candidate is responsible for ensuring that his or her campaign complies with all provincial laws.
Ward Boundaries
Livingstone Range School Division is divided into 3 wards, represented by 7 Trustees:
- Ward 1 - the north area of the Division (3 Trustees)
- Ward 2 - the far western/Crowsnest Pass region of the Division (2 Trustees)
- Ward 3 - the central/southeast region of the Division including the Village of Waterton (2 Trustees)
Additional Resources
2023 By-Election Official Results
At the By-Election held on October 4, 2023, Kathy Charchun was elected as Trustee.
2021 Election Official Results
At the election on October 18, 2021, Carla Gimber, Joscelyn Stangowitz, and Brad Toone were declared elected by acclamation for Ward 1; Greg Long and Clara Yagos were declared elected by acclamation for Ward 2; and Lori Hodges and Lacey Poytress were elected for Ward 3.
Contact
For more information about Trustee elections, contact:
Jeff Perry
Associate Superintendent, Business Services
403-625-3356
elections@lrsd.ab.ca