Of the 13 people vying for a Hanover School trustee position in the coming election, only three have been acclaimed without contest.

First-time trustee Jonathan Driedger will be representing Grunthal in Ward 4. He says he looks forward to learning more about the division and being able to have an influence on students’ futures. “I feel strongly that our school’s are in place to prepare our kids for their next stage in life, and I want to do whatever I can to support that.”

Sue Doerksen, presently serving Mitchell, Landmark, and Blumenort in Ward 2, has also been acclaimed, with one term as trustee already to her credit. “This first term was really a giant learning curve,” says Doerksen, “and I often had to sit back, take it all in, and just learn how the division runs.” She says her main objective in the coming term will be encouraging parental involvement and voice within the division.

Meanwhile, longtime serving trustee Lynn Barkman will be continuing in her role as trustee in Ward 2 as well. She indicates her main focus will be working towards a much-needed expansion at Mitchell Elementary School. “Education is the key to many many things,” notes Barkman, “and I want the absolute best for every student.