A combination of experience and new energy will spearhead the St. James-Assiniboia School Division School Board. Trustee Tara Smith was elected Chair at the annual meeting of the Board on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Trustees voted Angela Dunn into the Vice Chair position for the 2025–2026 school year. Trustees serve for one year in these executive positions.

Tara Smith has previously served as the Vice Chair (2024–2025) and has also held numerous committee roles including Chair of the Community Engagement Committee (2023–2024), as well as a member of the Human Resources/Governance Standing Committee (2022–2023). She has also been a Board representative of the Divisional Early Childhood Education Committee, and the Safe and Caring Schools Committee. Tara was first elected in 2022. She represents constituents in the East Ward of the Division and is a teacher in the public education sector. Tara is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and a long-time resident of St. James. She has two children currently attending schools in SJASD.

Angela Dunn was elected to the role of Vice Chair. Dunn has previously served as Chair of the Community Engagement Committee (2024–2025 and 2022–2023). She has also served as a Board representative of the Divisional Early Childhood Education Committee and the Awards and Scholarships/Scholarship Foundation, as well as the School Board/Student Council Liaison. Dunn was first elected in 2022 as a representative of the East Ward. She has approximately 15 years of experience working with at-risk children, youth, and families, and has recently completed a bachelor's degree in social work. Dunn has three children attending schools in the Division.

Both Tara and Angela are proud to serve the SJASD community this year in their new roles.

“I'm honoured by the trust my fellow Trustees have placed in me and look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, Senior Administration, and our community. Together, we will continue to uphold our shared commitment to never lose sight of those we serve—every student, every family, every voice," says Tara.

“Thank you to the Board for entrusting me with this position. I look forward to serving in this new role. I am proud of all the amazing work that SJASD staff do for the families and communities of St. James, and I will do my best to support their efforts," says Angela.

Thank you to outgoing Chair Holly Hunter for her exemplary service. Holly held the role of Chair for two consecutive terms from 2023–2025, and previously served as Vice Chair from 2022–2023. She continues to represent residents of the East Ward.

In October, Trustees will vote for Board members to serve in various committee roles.

Congratulations to Tara and Angela on your recent elections to these important positions in SJASD!