RETSD IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2026–2027 BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

Brianne Goertzen – Chair of the Board of Trustees

Trustee Goertzen represents Ward 3 and was elected as Board Chair for the 2026–27 school year at the Board’s inaugural meeting on November 3, 2026. This will be her first year as Board Chair and her tenth as a Trustee, originally being elected during a 2016 byelection. 

Trustee Goertzen is a political communications officer in the public sector and is a strong advocate for public services and programming. She believes that strong governance provides clear direction, ensures accountability, and maintains a steadfast focus on student success and well-being, forming the foundation of a thriving public education system.

Susan Olynik – Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees 

We also congratulate Susan Olynik, Trustee of Ward 4, on being re-elected as Board Vice-Chair for a fourth time. Trustee Olynik is serving her third term as Trustee and has lived in the northeast area of the division all her life.

Her career experience includes being a leader in corporate communications and government relations. Trustee Olynik has always been a strong advocate for stakeholder engagement and social responsibility, and is dedicated to enhancing communications with parents, caregivers, students, employees, and the community at large. 

Board Standing Committees

As part of the inaugural meeting, Chairs of the Board Standing Committees were also elected. Trustee Sheri Hanson (Ward 2) was elected Chair of the Finance, Facilities, Transportation, and Technology Committee, Trustee Michelle Kowalchuk (Ward 4) was elected Chair of the Program, Policy Review, and Personnel Committee, and Trustee Colleen Carswell (Ward 1) was elected Chair of the Negotiations Committee.