Hanover School Division Appoints Friesen and Wiebe as Chairs

On September 2, the Hanover School Division (HSD) announced the appointment of new leadership for the 2025-26 school year. Dallas Wiebe and Jeff Friesen, both trustees representing Ward 1, have been elected as chairperson and vice chair, respectively. Their selection was made by acclamation from fellow trustees. Ward 1 encompasses the schools in Bothwell, Kleefeld, Crystal Springs, and Niverville.

Friesen and Wiebe previously held these roles in reverse positions during the last school year. Friesen, who expressed a desire to prioritize family matters, opted not to run for the chair position this time. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Wiebe, noting their shared values and passions. “I’m happy to follow if there’s a strong leader [like Dallas],” Friesen stated. He also highlighted the flexibility both men possess due to their backgrounds as self-employed farmers.

The responsibilities of the chairperson are substantial. They include attending various meetings, managing numerous emails from provincial authorities, the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS), and the Manitoba School Boards Association, as well as handling correspondence from community members. The chair must then relay pertinent information to the board during regular meetings.

Friesen remarked on the effective partnership he and Wiebe formed last year, which he believes contributed to a more cohesive board dynamic. “In the past, the vice chair has been kept at arm’s length,” he noted, adding that now they have agreed to keep each other informed on all relevant discussions. Despite his current role, Friesen hopes to see all board members take turns leading, believing this practice fosters stronger governance.

The role of a trustee comes with significant responsibilities and expectations, yet it offers minimal compensation. Friesen pointed out that all HSD trustees serve as volunteers, receiving only nominal stipends for meetings and mileage reimbursement. “We are one of the lowest paid divisions and one of the biggest divisions,” he said, indicating that this issue has been a topic of discussion among board members. Some argue that increasing compensation could attract a broader range of candidates, while others suggest that the motivation to serve should stem from a passion for education.

As the new school year approaches, Friesen aims to uphold the principles that motivated him to join the board three years ago. He intends to represent the values that HSD parents care about, especially in light of what many perceive as overreach by government entities and the MTS. “Keeping the local HSD values and traditions relevant and respected in the schools,” he asserted, aligns with his mandate. This commitment is also reflected in the Public Schools Act, which outlines the responsibilities of trustees.

Friesen expressed concern regarding the erosion of these traditions and values, which he believes drives parents to seek alternatives such as private schooling and homeschooling. He noted that while some families can afford these options, many cannot. It is worth mentioning that both Friesen and Wiebe have chosen to enroll their children in private schools.

As the HSD prepares for the upcoming academic year, the leadership of Wiebe and Friesen will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead, ensuring that the needs and values of the community remain at the forefront of their agenda.