Sunrise School Division

Connected to Learn, Built to Lead

Located in an Agriculturally Rich Area, This School District is Preparing Students for a Productive Future

Stretching across a broad swath of eastern Manitoba, Sunrise School Division serves a geographically and economically diverse region that includes farming communities, cottage country, and suburban neighborhoods linked to Winnipeg. Within this diverse landscape, the division focuses on fostering real-world readiness, student well-being, and strong community engagement.

Superintendent Trevor Reid, who has been leading the division for just over a year, describes the guiding philosophy as deeply rooted in relationships. “People are just looking for that connection,” Reid says. “They want to feel connected to their school. They want to have good relationships with their child’s teacher. Our board embraces the philosophy of being connected to our public and gaining feedback to lead a school division that meets the needs of the families we serve.”

This sense of connection informs nearly every aspect of the division’s work. From personalized teaching methods and community-based programs to collaborative planning and workforce readiness, the Sunrise School Division is committed to preparing students for a future that reflects both opportunity and change.

Responding to a Diverse Region

Although rural, Sunrise School Division defies easy classification. As Reid explains, “We have agriculture-based communities, others that are focused on tourism, and several that are bedroom communities for Winnipeg. So, we’re quite diverse economically—recreation, agriculture, and serving the capital region are our three big pushes.”

This range of community profiles presents both logistical challenges and unique opportunities. Reid notes that while a broad reach makes it difficult to implement division-wide programs on a large scale, it also allows the district to develop tailored, localized initiatives that respond directly to community needs. One such program is the motorsports course at Lac du Bonnet Senior School, which teaches students the skills in minor engine repair in high demand in the local recreational vehicle industry.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty and then transition into a large business that exists right in their home community,” Reid says.

Education Meets Industry

Such real-world applications are central to the division’s approach. The high school apprenticeship program is thriving across Sunrise, particularly in its fastest-growing southwestern communities. “We’ve got great partners in new home construction and small businesses that provide on-the-job training through the apprenticeship program,” Reid shares. Two career development program leaders coordinate these efforts, one focused on high school and the other on middle years, who help connect students with employers and post-secondary opportunities.

Board Chairperson Paul Magnan emphasizes how this work ties back to the division’s values. “Connections and engagement are key,” he says. “We work with nine municipalities, and it’s about partnering with them, talking about what’s important to them and to us.”

A standout example of this collaboration is a new initiative launching in 2026 in partnership with Assiniboine Community College. The division will host the college’s Health Care Aide training program at a local high school, providing graduating students with a direct path into one of the region’s most urgently needed professions. “Municipal leaders were vocal about the need for more healthcare workers,” Magnan says. “So, we listened. This is about building homegrown talent that stays in the community.”

Tech Integration with Purpose

Technology is another area of thoughtful integration. While Sunrise is not a one-to-one district, it ensures equitable access through a five-year refresh cycle across all schools. “We give our schools autonomy to choose what type of tech best serves their students, whether that’s desktop labs, laptops on carts, or tablets,” Reid explains.

Cybersecurity and digital literacy are addressed both in the classroom and at the administrative level. Students receive guidance on responsible use, while staff complete annual cybersecurity training modules. Meanwhile, the ICT department works continually to enhance network protection. “With breaches like the recent PowerSchool incident, this has become an even higher priority,” Reid notes.

In addition to hardware access and cybersecurity, Sunrise is beginning to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in education. While still in the early stages, the division is considering how to approach AI both as a teaching tool and a subject of critical discussion. “It’s a complex area,” Reid acknowledges.

“We want to make sure our students understand how to engage with emerging technologies responsibly and ethically, without jumping too far ahead of what we’re ready to support in the classroom.” By fostering digital literacy alongside caution and curiosity, Sunrise aims to equip students with the mindset needed to succeed in a tech-driven world.

Teaching with Flexibility

At the heart of Sunrise School Division is a flexible, student-centered teaching philosophy. Teachers are encouraged to create classroom profiles and adjust their instruction accordingly. “We talk about assessing students through products, observations, and conversations,” Reid says. “If a student struggles with traditional tests but demonstrates understanding in other ways, we want teachers to use their professional judgment.”

While a national teacher shortage continues to affect the education sector, Sunrise has managed to avoid significant staffing gaps. “Ten years ago, a job posting might get 25 applications. Now it’s five to eight,” Reid says. “We’re still hiring strong candidates, but it’s more competitive.” To address substitute teacher shortages, the division occasionally relies on uncertified subs, who are supported with detailed sub plans and on-the-job guidance. Retention remains strong, bolstered by ongoing investments in professional development and a consistent focus on teacher wellness.

To further support educators, the division places a strong emphasis on ongoing professional development tailored to the evolving needs of the classroom. This includes training in differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and trauma-informed approaches, all designed to equip teachers with strategies to meet the diverse needs of students. “We want our staff to feel confident and empowered,” Reid says. “When teachers are growing in their roles, students benefit directly from that growth.” By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Sunrise ensures that its educators remain engaged, resilient, and responsive to the dynamic demands of modern education.

Planning for Growth

Capital investments over the past few years have included central HVAC and envelope upgrades at Springfield Collegiate and Edward Schreyer School. While there are no large projects currently underway, the division is actively planning for growth in its southwest region.

“We’ve already started discussions with the Rural Municipality of Springfield,” Reid says. “They’re planning a new recreation facility, and we’re advocating to build our next school nearby. Shared green spaces, joint-use agreements, that’s the goal.”

Magnan echoes the importance of early and ongoing collaboration. “We’ve had a study done, and the growth projections are clear,” he says. “Partnering with municipalities ensures we plan smarter, not just bigger.”

Lifelong Learning in Action

Reid’s belief in lifelong learning extends far beyond a mission statement; it’s embedded in his daily role. “Even after 14 months, I’m encountering new situations every week,” he says. “Moving into the superintendency has been the steepest learning curve of my career. Whether it’s reviewing policy, connecting with colleagues, or researching solutions, learning never stops.”

This mindset reflects the division’s broader approach: stay adaptable, stay curious, and remain committed to continuous improvement.

Priorities Rooted in Progress and Equity

In the months ahead, the Sunrise School Division will focus on several key priorities that reflect both current realities and long-term objectives. Literacy, particularly in the early years, is at the forefront. Reid emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reading instruction, pointing to recent human rights findings in other provinces. “We’re a bit ahead of the curve in Manitoba,” he says, “but we know there’s still work to do.”

Numeracy is receiving renewed attention, especially in rural schools where multi-grade classrooms can create instructional complexities. The division is working to provide teachers with the tools and strategies they need to teach math effectively in these settings.

Truth and reconciliation remain a deeply important focus. Sunrise is committed to building stronger relationships with Indigenous students and communities and addressing historic inequities. “We want to be a division that meets their needs with respect and care,” Reid affirms.

French immersion programming also remains a growth area. With dual-track models across several schools, the division aims to maintain high standards while broadening access to bilingual education.

Student mental health remains a key priority for the division. Though the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, its lingering impacts on students’ emotional well-being are still felt. “The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities that are still with us,” Reid says. “We want our students to have the skills and resources to recognize when they need help and to know where they can get it.”

Preparing Students for What’s Next

Sunrise School Division is not content to operate on autopilot. Whether it’s developing programs tailored to regional industries, building partnerships with post-secondary institutions, or crafting long-term infrastructure plans, the division continually evolves to meet the future head-on.

For Reid and Magnan, it all comes back to the same principle: connection—a connection to students, staff, families, and the communities they serve.

“We’re building something that works for everyone,” Magnan concludes. And in Sunrise, that means meeting students where they are, preparing them for what’s ahead, and ensuring that education remains a bridge, not a barrier, to lifelong success.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Sunrise School Division

What: A public school district based in Beausejour, Manitoba, overseeing 19 schools, including English, French-immersion, Ukrainian language, and Hutterite colony schools.

Where: Beausejour, Manitoba

Website: www.sunrisesd.ca