Louis Riel school trustee mourned

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This article was published 15/04/2025 (244 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Louis Riel School Division is mourning the loss of a longtime teacher-turned-trustee who was known for her kindhearted nature and “feisty streak.”

Darlene Gerrior, vice-chair of the division’s board of trustees, died at St. Boniface Hospital on Saturday. Gerrior was on medical leave owing to her inability to attend board meetings since February.

Following a lengthy career in the education sector, which included stints as a classroom teacher and student services co-ordinator, Gerrior ran a successful campaign to represent families in Ward 3 in 2022.

The sudden vacancy raises questions about whether the nine-seat board will have to announce a second byelection in less than a year.

“She was warm, generous and kind, but her most notable quality was her willingness to learn and grow as a trustee,” Chris Sigurdson, a Ward 2 trustee and chairman of the board, said.

Sigurdson noted that his colleague, who he said quickly became a close friend, moved into a leadership role shortly after being elected to public office.

He described her leadership style as open and collaborative while noting she had a “feisty streak” that came out during private dealings where she preferred to settle any differences.

Manitoba’s teacher registry shows Gerrior obtained a teaching certificate in 1983. Most recently, she was an active community volunteer and counselling practicum supervisor at the University of Winnipeg faculty of education.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt shared her condolences in a public statement Tuesday.

“She served in countless roles — from teacher to counsellor to leader — always with a commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. Her legacy of service, compassion, and community leadership will not be forgotten,” Schmidt said.

School division administration penned a letter to community members on Monday night to update them.

Clinical teams are being made available to students and staff who are processing the news, per the memo.

Manitoba legislation requires school boards to call a byelection to fill a seat if there is more than a year of their term left when it is declared vacant.

St. Vital trustees are expected to discuss the issue at their meeting Tuesday night.

The City of Winnipeg and LRSD held a byelection on June 6 to replace a member who resigned in late 2023 after being penalized for her controversial social media activity.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca