Horizon Board Chairperson Jim Hack said it best; it’s been a project many years in the making. On the morning of November 15 with the snip of the ceremonial ribbon, the Horizon School Division Office was officially opened. 

Employees and board members have been settled into the new facility for months, but the morning allowed board members, staff, administration and the communities served by the Division to gather to celebrate. On hand were Finance Minister Donna Harpauer and Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Gord Wyant. 

Chairman Hack and Director of Education Kevin Garinger both acknowledged the previous facilities and the accompanying circumstances. At its inception, the Horizon Division operated from service centres in Lanigan, Wadena, and Humboldt with administrative staff scattered among those centres. As the need to consolidate became evident, a decision was made to utilize the existing Humboldt Office along with leased space in the Olymel building. In spite of the fact that the two offices were separated only by Highway 5, complications with communication and work continuity continued.

Garinger illustrated the problems caused by the split centre with an example relayed to him by one of the Division’s managers.

“She told me that in the past, it would have taken half a day to resolve a task that had come up with multiple emails and phone calls and perhaps a trip across the highway. But in our new building, she finished the task within 15 minutes by walking down the hallway and having a conversation with her colleagues.”

Garinger also noted that the new building has allowed a stronger connection with personnel from the Division’s 43 schools. He stated that it has afforded opportunities for professional development opportunities and it has eliminated the need to rent outside facilities for meetings and seminars. The building’s technology also allows for remote meetings, also resulting in streamlined communication with lower costs. 

Following an opening prayer by Elder Stuart Bitternose, Minister Gord Wyant brought greetings from the Government of Saskatchewan and congratulations on the effort in completing the building.

“We are seeing great things done in our schools and our school divisions, and the opening of this new board office is certainly among them. I applaud the work of the board for having the vision, the innovation, and the responsive leadership required to bring this project to life.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees, many of whom were returning staff or administrators to the Division, gathered for refreshment and to renew acquaintances. Tours of the building were available to the public during the remainder of the day.

Perhaps the spirit was best conveyed by Lance Hiltz, communication services officer, who welcomed everyone by invoking the spirit of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and an appropriate take on the new structure.

“‘Not sure why they call it a building; it looks finished. They should call it a built.’ With that, welcome to the new Horizon School Division Built.”