Hanover School Division superintendent, assistant superintendent leaving posts
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Hanover School Division is seeing its superintendent and assistant superintendent leaving their positions by the end of the year.
The announcement that superintendent Joe Thiessen and assistant superintendent Leanne Peters are retiring was made during the last school board meeting.
Thiessen has submitted his resignation after two years on the job. He declined an interview with the media, but board chair Dallas Wiebe said the board is grateful for Thiessen’s leadership and they were surprised and saddened to see him go.
“Joe has a heart for Hanover. We’re going to miss him. And he’s been tremendous. His positive attitude from day one has been reflective on the principals and the staff. I think a lot of people are sorry to see him go. We love Joe,” said Wiebe, sharing that the board nicknamed Thiessen Joe Positive because of his positive attitude.
Thiessen has been an educator for more than 30 years. Prior to becoming the superintendent and CEO of Hanover, he worked as a teacher in Niverville Collegiate Institute, Blumenort School, and Woodlawn School from 1995 to 2004. He was principal at Mitchell Elementary School for 20 years.
In a written statement, Thiessen said it has been an honour and privilege to serve the Hanover School Division.
“Each role I have held has reinforced my belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, students, families, and community members throughout my career.”
Thiessen will conclude his time with the Hanover School Division on Dec. 31.
Also leaving the division is assistant superintendent Leanne Peters who will be retiring on Nov. 30 from her position.
Peters has worked in education for 27 years, 15 of which were in a senior administrative role. Prior to joining the division in 2020, she was assistant superintendent at Sunrise School Division from 2018 to 2020 and in Lakeshore School Division from 2011 to 2018. Earlier in her career, she served as a principal and teacher in Rolling River School Division and taught in Mountain View School Division.