“I remember very clearly as a teacher that I would always make a point of bringing my classroom of students into the polling room,” reflects Hanover Superintendent Randy Dueck.

That opportunity will no longer be afforded as the Manitoba Government recently declared that all schools will need to take a PD day during the 2020 provincial elections, and likely on an ongoing basis.

Dueck says he is of two minds on this issue.

On one hand, Dueck recognizes the safety concerns that come with school-hosted polling stations. He acknowledges that crowds of unknown people wandering around a school building could easily be a security hazard. However, at the same time, Dueck remembers that there is a very unique form of education that can take place during those rare moments.

“It really became a great learning experience for my kids,” he tells, “I think its really important for them to see the democratic process modeled before their very eyes.” Dueck indicates that, when he was a teacher, he would even take the occasion as an excuse to develop a series of special lessons.

Dueck believes that this new government mandate will cost the division an amazing learning opportunity.

“If we decide to have schools closed on election days, we will certainly have to find other ways to engage students in this kind of learning.”

Though Dueck will admittedly lament this loss, he still stands behind the province in their decision to continue preserving student safety.