Provincial advisor leaves post overseeing Hanover School Division board

The provincial advisor selected to oversee the board of trustees for the Hanover School Division has ended his contract.

Retired superintendent Kelly Barkman was appointed to oversee the board in September 2024 after then Minister of Education Nello Altomare received concerns from the community regarding decisions and actions made by the Hanover board of trustees.

Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning Tracy Schmidt stated in an email that Barkman had provided guidance to help strengthen governance practices, improve policy development, and support the board in meeting provincial expectations. He also “provided substantial input and guidance to the board in regards to addressing public concern and issues, board governance principals, and board policies.” She noted he also advised trustees on a one-on-one basis.

“I want to personally thank Mr. Kelly Barkman for his role as provincial advisor to the Hanover School Division board,” she stated. “His contributions have helped move the division forward, and I appreciate the professionalism and care he brought to every conversation and recommendation.”

Board chair Dallas Wiebe would only comment on Barkman’s departure as “he was valued by the board.” Wiebe wouldn’t elaborate further or give examples on how Barkman impacted the board and the changes the board made in its governance during his time as advisor.

Barkman did not return The Carillon’s request for an interview.

Barkman’s hiring by Altomare was sparked by a letter from the Hanover Parent Alliance for Diversity (HPAD) in April 2024 complaining about discriminatory practices amongst six board members. The letter asked for the resignation of the trustees who it said voted in favour of a policy, submitted by trustee Shayne Barkman, that gave board members a say in who gets hired as a music and phys-ed teacher. The letter also claims that members of the board attended the 1 Million March for Children event, which opposed LGBTQ representation and gender diversity initiatives in schools. It also pointed to a motion made by trustee Barkman to separate Grade 7 students based on gender when discussing sensitive topics, such as gender issues and sex education. That motion was denied.

In May 2024, the minister called the trustees to his office for a meeting, which board chair at the time Brad Unger called “a positive.” Altomare told The Carillon the meeting was a way for the minster to inquire on “how this (decisions and motions) improves student learning and outcomes.” In September 2024, Unger said it was “open to interpretation” as to whether Barkman’s appointment made the board look inept.

“HPAD is working with a legal team and in the process of setting up our meeting with the minister of education, we requested Kelly be there for the conversation. It was in reply to that that we were told he’s resigned for personal reasons, not that his term was over,” stated a HPAD spokesperson by text. The spokesperson wishes to stay anonymous in order to protect their child who is a student in the Hanover School Division.

In October 2025, The Carillon submitted a FIPPA request to the minister’s office for Barkman’s briefing notes and records regarding the board. The government admitted that there was no documentation as everything was done verbally.

“In the absence of any documentation of work accomplished, and the absence of any changes in the board’s behaviour, we’d say (Barkman) effected zero change,” said the HPAD spokesperson, who added that the parental group will be asking the minister to appoint someone to replace Barkman and that there be clear parameters, stated and measurable goals, progress updates, and full transparency.

“At this point, it looks like Kelly has been paid for nothing, right out of the taxpayer pocket. And the HSD board is emboldened by the ‘oversight’ that didn’t enforce any change,” stated the text message.

As an example, the spokesperson pointed to the board’s lack of reading policy changes during public meetings when first reading is voted on. The policy change is only made public after third reading therefore denying the public the chance to give feedback, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also pointed to Unger’s statement to the board during a public meeting in December 2025, where he questioned the existence of HPAD and called its actions in speaking to the media as “pathetic” and he urged the parental group to come and speak to the board “like decent people would.”

“Based on Brad’s outburst and the phrasing he used to describe parents in the school division, shows a continued and marked disrespect for those who don’t agree with their position,” stated the spokesperson.

The spokesperson claimed a parent submitted a letter to the board requesting Unger be censured for his language regarding HPAD and was told that the board found no fault with Unger’s behaviour.

“Kelly Barkman was supposed to provide that external oversight, but as we’ve already discussed, has not been effective as far as we’re concerned,” said the HPAD spokesperson.

The minister would not comment on if the concerns that initially led to Barkman’s hiring were addressed nor would she comment on whether she will appoint another provincial advisor to continue oversight of the board.