Hanover School Division hires new superintendent, assistant superintendent

The Hanover School Division has hired a new superintendent to replace outgoing superintendent Joe Thiessen.

The trustees have hired Kevin Clace to start on Jan. 1 once Thiessen has completed his term on Dec. 31.

“We are excited to welcome Kevin to Hanover School Division,” stated Hanover board chair Dallas Wiebe in a press release. “Kevin is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is committed to building effective teams, supporting staff, and strengthening the partnerships that help students succeed.”

Clace is leaving his current position as superintendent and CEO of Prairie Rose School Division in Carman, a post he has held since 2024. Prior to working at Prairie Rose, he served as dean of the University of Winnipeg Collegiate from 2018 to 2024, where he was responsible for collegiate operations, including the Grades 9 to 12 regular program, international programming, on-campus residence, and related domestic and international partnerships.

Clace also served as principal at three Red River Valley School Division schools: Morris School from 2012 to 2018, Rosenort School from 2007 to 2012, and Lowe Farm School from 2003 to 2007. Earlier in his career, he held teaching positions at Winkler Elementary School in Garden Valley School Division and Rosenort Elementary School in Morris-Macdonald School Division.

Clace has also served on several provincial committees through the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents. He also served one term as a councillor in Morris.

Clace holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and a master of education in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota, as well as a bachelor of education from the University of Manitoba.

Also hired by the board as assistant superintendent is Woodlawn School principal Vince Hiebert, who is taking over for outgoing assistant superintendent Leanne Peters. Hiebert takes his position on Sept. 1.

He has 20 years of experience working as an educator, 11 of which were in leadership roles.

He has been principal of Woodlawn since 2024. Prior to that position, he was principal of Elmdale School from 2018 to 2024, vice-principal and learning support teacher at Blumenort School from 2015 to 2018, and curriculum support teacher for Hanover School Division from 2013 to 2015. As a teacher, he taught at Clearspring Middle School from 2012 to 2015 and Woodlawn School from 2007 to 2012. Before joining Hanover School Division in 2007, he taught in Sunrise School Division.

Hiebert holds a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of education from the University of Manitoba, as well as a post-baccalaureate diploma in school leadership and administration. He is currently pursuing a master of management from Memorial University.