Trustees

2023-2024 GVSD School Board

School Board 2024-2025 

 

Heather DiFrancesco

Heather DiFrancesco

Trustee Ward 2 - Rural

Hello! I’m Heather DiFrancesco. I was raised in Winkler and have lived in Schanzenfeld for 13 years with my husband and three kids. My twins are set to graduate high school this year and my youngest is finishing middle school.

We love living in our old farmhouse raising chickens and pigs and gardening. We spend winters in gyms cheering on all the sports and our summers on the baseball field.

I’m incredibly proud to be from this area and serving on the school board has solidified the fact that our community is truly special, and everyone has a voice that’s important.

I have a lot to learn and having a seat at this table has been a great place to listen, contribute and make sure GVSD continues to be an incredible place for students to thrive.

Pamela Hiebert

Pamela Hiebert

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

In the summer of 2022, I allowed my name to stand for Trustee after serving on the NPC PAC for 3 years. It took much prayer to take this step. Thirteen years of teaching grade 6 girls in AWANA, working to equip them with tools they can use to navigate the pressures of teenage life, led me to take this leadership role. My lifelong passion is to give all children an environment where they feel loved and can thrive in whatever catches their heart.

I have been married to Kevin Hiebert for 25 years. Together, we have 2 children, and all of us have attended school in the Garden Valley School Division, learning much along the way. We feel privileged to serve and work in our community, to come alongside you to create a safe place for all to contribute and live their best life.
I have worked in marketing and advertising for more than 30 years and recently accepted the marketing manager role at Friesens Corporation, working alongside some very gifted leaders and wonderful people who have taught me the power of an encouraging word.

John Klassen

John Klassen

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

Ten years ago, I accepted an invitation to consider serving as a Trustee on the GVSD board; while it requires a high level of commitment, it’s a decision I have never regretted. It has allowed me to witness the educational excellence offered within our GVSD schools and at least in part, to return the blessing we as a family received.

My wife Sharon and I and our children were all privileged to attend GVSD schools and being a board member has allowed me to contribute my gifts and energy to serving our division and the children of our community.

I recently retired after 38 years of pastoral ministry which allows me more time to serve as a Board member as well as allowing me to enjoy personal interests like word and number puzzles, pickleball, and especially to enjoy becoming a grandfather a little over a year ago.

Leah Klassen

Leah Klassen

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

Hello. I'm Leah Klassen. It has been my pleasure to serve on the Garden Valley School Division board since 2010. It has been an honour to be a part of a number of initiatives throughout the years, including building three new schools! I also have the privilege of serving as one of the vice presidents of our provincial association, MSBA. I have learned so much about education through a provincial lens.


My husband and I moved to Winkler in 2000 from neighbouring Altona. We had the opportunity to raise both our children here. Our oldest lives in Winnipeg and works full-time while also attending makers' markets showcasing beautiful artwork. Our youngest graduated this spring with an Education Degree and is teaching this fall. We are incredibly proud of both our kids for pursuing their passions with such dedication!


Outside of the school board, I'm a partner in and manage Pembina Valley Physiotherapy, serve on the Chamber, and am the President of the WSEDC board. I love the opportunity to talk about economic growth for our region and am interested in how education and economic growth go hand in hand.
In between work and meetings, we put great value in spending time with our family and friends plus we love to travel!

Tena Lane

Tena Lane

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

Hello! My name is Tena Lane.

Like many newcomers, it was an employment opportunity that brought my family to Winkler. I grew up in Minnesota and I met my husband, Eric, at the University of Oslo in Norway. When we married, Eric got a temporary visa permitting him to work as a physician in Winkler. Eventually we became Canadian citizens and raised three children who graduated from GVSD: Emily and Ian from GVC; Andrew from NPC.

Eric and I are thrilled to be grandparents to granddaughters Olivia and Laura, who live in Minnesota. We enjoy walks with our Golden Doodle, Sophie. Our favorite family activities are cooking and traveling. We appreciate sharing long and lively conversations over dinners with our kids, their partners, and with the many friends we have made over the years.

I have come to appreciate what is unique about our school division now more than ever. I feel it’s our caring teaching staff and our administrative leadership team that make GVSD great. Education prepares us for, and connects us to, life beyond K-12. I believe education increases opportunities and choices. I am grateful for the chance to support education in our community.

Michael Rempel

Michael Rempel

Trustee Ward 2 - Rural

My name is Michael Rempel. I am a devoted husband to my wife Marla and a father of two teenage children. I am a dedicated and community-oriented individual and have lived in the town of Plum Coulee for over four decades. I have invested a significant amount of time and energy into fostering a strong and vibrant community.

Professionally, I serve as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Municipality of Rhineland, bringing expertise and leadership to the municipality. My commitment to public service extends beyond my professional role, as evidenced by my decision to run for a position on the school board in 2022. My passion for community development and education is reflected in my desire to improve communication and enhance accountability within the school system.

Outside of my professional and community commitments, I enjoy many sports, particularly curling and golf.

Mandy Thiessen

Mandy Thiessen

Trustee Ward 2 - Rural

Hi, my name is Mandy Thiessen, and I am in my third year of serving as a trustee. My family and I live south of Winkler on an acreage. We enjoy spending time together at the lake water skiing or snowmobiling, playing, or watching sports and traveling.

Over the years we have used different models of education for our children: private schooling, homeschooling and public schooling. Education has always been an interest of mine and now getting to learn about it from a new perspective has been inspiring and enlightening. The individuals around the table have built a team where we all have a voice to represent the members of this community and are working together for the students. It truly has been a joy to be a part of this team and I am humbled by this opportunity!

Philipp Unruh

Philipp Unruh

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

Hello, I’m Philipp Unruh. I am in my first term serving as a GVSD trustee. My family immigrated from Germany to Winkler in 1999. I have been a proud Winklerite ever since. I graduated from GVC in 2008 and studied 7 years at the University of Manitoba where I graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in 2015. Since then, my wife and I have started our family of 3 children. Outside of work I spend most of my time with my family. I also put in a lot of time coaching, at church, volunteering and giving rides. I find value in giving back to my community that has given me so much. Education is important to me because it has given me a lot of freedom and opportunity in my life. My story shows that achieving high academically is possible for an immigrant in rural Manitoba. My hope is that all GVSD students can fulfill their academic potential.

Deana Wilson

Deana Wilson

Trustee Ward 1 - City of Winkler

Hi there, I’m Deana Wilson. The past 6 ½ years on the GVSD board have been an incredible journey, and it’s been a true privilege to be a part of it. My husband and I made the move to Winkler from Brandon in 2003, creating a home and raising our two sons here.

Speaking of my boys, one is currently working on his diesel tech red seal, while the other is gearing up to graduate from GVC this year with a post-secondary goal in mind. I’m proud of them and can’t wait to see where their unique paths take them.

Beyond my role as a hairstylist for the past 23 years, I’ve found so much joy in connecting with people. It’s not just about the chair - it’s about building relationships that go way beyond the salon. In our down time, my family loves to camp and travel. You can usually find me with some knitting needles in my hands, whether that’s in the car on a road trip, or at the ball diamonds cheering on my boy!

Winkler is more than just a place to me, it’s a community I deeply value. I am genuinely thrilled at the chance to serve as a trustee.


The GVSD Board held its reorganization meeting on September 10, 2024 and reorganized itself as follows:

Board Chair – Leah Klassen
Board Vice-Chair – John Klassen

Education Committee:
Chair - John Klassen
Heather DiFrancesco
Philipp Unruh

Operations Committee:
Chair – Tena Lane
Pamela Hiebert
Mike Rempel

Community Connections Committee:
Chair – Mandy Thiessen
Leah Klassen
Deana Wilson

Executive Committee:
Leah Klassen - Chair
Tena Lane - Operations Chair
John Klassen - Education Chair
Mandy Thiessen - Community Connections Chair