Meet WSD’s New Board of Trustees for 2026–2030
October 29, 2026
Meet WSD’s New Board of Trustees for 2026–2030
Winnipeg School Division has a new Board of Trustees! Elected during Winnipeg's municipal election on October 28, these nine trustees will help shape the future of public education over the next four years.
So, what does a school trustee do? Trustees are elected by the public — that's you! They make important decisions about divisional budgets, policies, and priorities that support student learning and well-being.
Each trustee represents one of WSD's nine wards. Together, they bring different perspectives to the board table, listen to families and communities, and make decisions that benefit students and schools across the division.
Newly Elected Trustees
Katrina Tessier, Ward 1
A family and birth advocate, entrepreneur, and mother of a WSD student, Katrina has nearly a decade of experience supporting expectant and new families. She is passionate about building community and connecting families with resources to help children thrive. Katrina was acclaimed as Ward 1 trustee, meaning she ran uncontested.
Andrew Kohan, Ward 2
Andrew is a community organizer, public education advocate, and WSD parent actively involved in the Earl Grey School community through its parent advisory council and weekly bike bus initiative. He brings experience working with labour unions and community groups, along with a commitment to safer routes to school and inclusive education.
Linda Hathout, Ward 4
Linda is a professional engineer, parent, and longtime WSD community member with experience in project management and public service. A Program Manager with Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, she brings a collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a focus on school facilities, responsible financial planning, and community engagement.
Reid Pereira, Ward 5
Reid has lived, worked, and studied in downtown Winnipeg for nearly a decade and is active in community organizations, including the Vision Impaired Resource Network and local food banks. A union steward, he brings experience in advocacy, accessibility, and community service, with a focus on school safety, student nutrition, and mental health supports. Reid was acclaimed as Ward 5 trustee.
Leah Mason, Ward 8
Leah is a longtime Ward 8 resident and parent with a strong commitment to Indigenous education and community. As a Program Officer with End Homelessness Winnipeg, she brings experience addressing barriers faced by vulnerable populations. She is passionate about strengthening relationships between schools and families, and ensuring every student feels heard, supported, and valued.
Returning Trustees
Kathy Heppner, Ward 3
Kathy was acclaimed in Ward 3 and returns for another term. Currently Chair of the Board of Trustees, she is also a high school teacher and mother of four. A co-founder of the Spanish Bilingual Program at Earl Grey School, Kathy brings experience in public education, school governance, and community involvement.
Dante Aviso, Ward 6
Dante was acclaimed in Ward 6 and returns for another term. A graduate of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, he brings decades of community leadership and volunteer experience, including roles with the North Valour Residents Association and Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba. He is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and expanding opportunities through arts, sports, and after-school programs.
Tamara Kuly, Ward 7
Tamara was acclaimed in Ward 7 and returns for another term. A parent with strong roots in Winnipeg’s North End, she has been actively involved in the Luxton School community, serving as chair of its parent advisory committee and volunteering with neighbourhood organizations. A former Chair of the Board of Trustees, she brings experience in strategic planning, community advocacy, and public education.
Ann Evangelista, Ward 9
Ann was re-elected in Ward 9 for a second term. A parent, educator, and special education advocate with more than 25 years of experience in education, she is also an instructor at the University of Winnipeg. Active in Winnipeg’s Filipino community, Ann brings experience in community leadership, newcomer support, and inclusive education.
Inaugural Board Meeting
The new Board of Trustees will officially begin its 2026–2030 term with a swearing-in ceremony at the inaugural board meeting on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in Tec-Voc High School’s Hornet Dome Gym.
Staff, students, families, and community members are invited to attend. The evening will include a WSD Land Acknowledgement and an honour song performed by Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute’s Young Warriors Oshkii Ogitichedaa drum circle. Trustees will also be appointed to board and district advisory committees for the 2026/27 school year.