The head of the Hanover School Division in Steinbach, Manitoba, has announced he will leave his post later this year. Superintendent and CEO Joe Thiessen submitted his resignation to the Board of Trustees on June 2, effective December 31, 2026, wrapping up a career that has spanned more than three decades.
Thiessen first joined the division as a teacher in 1995 and went on to serve as principal of Mitchell Elementary School for 20 years starting in 2004. He was appointed to the top job on August 1, 2024, meaning he held the position for less than two years before deciding to step down.
Board Chair Dallas Wiebe said the news came as a surprise, describing Thiessen as “Joe Positive” and praising his influence on students and staff across the nine communities the division serves. “Joe has had a remarkable career in Hanover,” Wiebe said. “He’s leaving a lasting impact on students, staff and the broader school community.”
The division is also losing another senior leader. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Leanne Peters has announced her retirement, effective November 30, after 27 years in education, including 15 years in senior administration. With both departures on the horizon, Hanover School Division has launched a search to fill the two roles, setting an application deadline of June 21. The new superintendent is expected to start December 1, 2026, and the new assistant superintendent on October 1, 2026.
The leadership transition comes as Steinbach schools face growing pains. Steinbach Regional Secondary School is projected to exceed 2,300 students by fall 2026, well above its 2,200-student capacity, leading to recent catchment boundary changes for the upcoming school year. The division as a whole now serves roughly 9,000 students and 1,400 staff across 20 schools, making it the largest rural school division in Manitoba. A trustee election is also set for October 2026, meaning a newly configured board will help guide the hiring process.
