Hanover School Division trustee running on student focused platform

A Hanover School Division trustee candidate is running to make sure that all decisions of the board are made with the students’ benefit in mind.

“We all deserve to be respected and supported, and the students to have that learning environment that’s focused on their education so that they can have the best success that they can. And I want to make a positive difference in our community. I want to listen to the families. I want to learn from their experiences. And I want to be part of making decisions that put our students first,” said Tess Doerksen, who is running for Ward 3 Steinbach.

“I am running because I care deeply about our schools. I value our public education system. My kids had great experiences here…And as a parent, I’ve always been involved in my kids’ education. I’ve advocated for them when they need it. I have developed those relationships with the teachers. And I know how important it is for families to have a voice and to be able to be heard. And I believe that our school board can be as strong as the people who are in it.”

Doerksen grew up in the area and has lived in Steinbach for 22 years with her firefighter husband and three boys, two of whom have graduated from high school and one that is entering Grade 10 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. She also owns her own cleaning business.

She believes that there needs to be different perspectives at the trustee table and that Hanover schools should be welcoming and inclusive spaces for all students and families.

As a trustee she would like to focus on making programs and resources available to all students and families in the school division, even during times when they might not need it.

“And the students are the reason our schools exist, right? Every decision should begin with that question, ‘How does this help our students learn, grow, and succeed?’”

She said she wants to work with families and is approachable and accessible. She encourages community engagement by being transparent and having open communication.

As a trustee she believes the role entails being a voice for students, parents, and staff while also being a liaison between the three.

“Trustees are focused on long-term student success. It’s the most important thing (for) our students to succeed and grow,” she said.

She also said trustees provide “thoughtful governance and financial oversight.”

While she felt that some decisions made by previous and current boards need re-evaluation, she couldn’t point to a specific policy.

When asked about her thoughts on the mature minor policy she said all students need to have access to programs and resources and that parents play an important role in their children’s lives.

She believes the student activism policy could hinder students from community engagement initiatives. When it came to responsible use of educational resources, she believes there is already age appropriate materials in schools and that teachers do an amazing job of ensuring those materials are appropriate.

Doerksen believes people should vote for her because she is willing to listen, learn, and lead as trustee.

She believes that listening before making decisions is important as is when making the final decision to make it student centered. She said she is ready to learn through collaboration and community engagement and lead with integrity, respect, and dignity.

“And so it represents kind of who I am and what I want to bring…,” she said. “It would be an honour to be able to represent this community as a trustee and work alongside those very dedicated people we have and collaborate with the other trustees in making this division even more amazing than it already is.”

Ward 3 is currently held by trustees Lynn Barkman, Ron Falk, Danielle Funk, and Brad Unger. Only trustee Brad Unger has confirmed he will not be running in this election as he will run for city councillor. To date, Jeff Friesen is the only trustee who has made his candidacy public. Ward 2 trustee Charmaine Toews will not be running for a second term, she has declined an interview.