Ward 5 By-Election
A by-election has been called to fill the vacant Ward 5 trustee position in the Saskatoon School Division No. 13 (Saskatoon Public Schools). The election will be held on October 28, 2026. The Ward 5 trustee position became vacant following the former trustee's relocation out of province.
The school division is organized into 10 wards for the purpose of elections and school representation but, once elected, the members of the Board of Education represent all students in the division. Learn more about the role of trustees.
Meet the Candidates
The following individuals have announced their candidacy in the Ward 5 By-Election. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Nominations were accepted between September 9-23.
![]() | Murray GuestI have dedicated my career to advancing public education, with 32 years in the classroom as a teacher; 25 years as an elected official with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and Saskatoon Teachers’ Association; and six years as an appointed board member of the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board, including as vice-chair and chair. I am proud of the work my colleagues and I do to lift up students in Saskatoon Public Schools, while also recognizing that some children continue to fall through the cracks. I believe public education deserves increased, stable funding - every student deserves the opportunity to thrive - and thriving students need thriving staff to support them. What sets me apart is my extensive experience in board governance and a proven track record of effecting change in large, complex, and established organizations. You can connect with me at electmurrayguest@gmail.com or visit www.electmurrayguest.ca. |
![]() | Kim HoffartI am a dedicated educator, father, and long-time advocate for public education. For 31 years, I worked as an educator and administrator in Saskatoon, including 16 years in senior school-level administration. I also coached football and track, supporting students both on and off the field. My family has lived in Ward 5 for more than 20 years, and our two sons attended École River Heights School and Marion M. Graham Collegiate. I hold a Bachelor of Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration, and a Master’s Certificate in Human Resources. I believe strong schools build strong communities. As trustee, I will listen to families, advocate for students and staff, and work collaboratively to ensure schools have the resources they need. I am committed to supporting students of all abilities and backgrounds and ensuring families have a voice in their children’s education. I would be honoured to serve Ward 5 and respectfully ask for your support. You can connect with me at hoffartkim1969@gmail.com. |
![]() | Doug PorteousBorn and raised in Saskatoon, my wife, Anne, and I have lived in Ward 5 for 34 years. I served as principal of Lawson Heights School for five years, while Anne taught kindergarten at Silverwood Heights School for 10 years. Our children also attended schools in the ward. I hold a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Saskatchewan and completed an internship at Saskatoon Public Schools’ central office. During my 30 years with the school division, I spent 23 years as a school principal. I also managed a department with the Meewasin Valley Authority for 19 years, supporting its mandate to conserve, develop and educate people about our river valley. I played a role in conserving Silverspring’s Northeast Swale and Small Swale Grasslands. Whether advocating for public education or working to conserve and develop our river valley, I have experience securing the financial support needed from all levels of government. I believe properly funded public education is fundamental to a democratic society. You can connect with me at dougporteous@shaw.ca. |
![]() | Janet Uchacz-HartI am proud to call Ward 5 home for 37 years. My work has been rooted in education, youth, and community development. I spent 21 years as an educator, including at Marion M. Graham Collegiate, before dedicating 24 years to leading the Saskatoon Industry Education Council (SIEC). I also served as a board member of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation. My connection to education is personal. My children attended École River Heights School and Marion M. Graham Collegiate, giving me the perspective of an educator and parent. Throughout my career, I have worked with schools, businesses, post-secondary institutions, government, and community organizations to create opportunities for young people. I believe every student deserves to feel valued, discover their strengths, and be prepared for their future. I would be honoured to serve Ward 5 as a Public School Board Trustee and help build a public education system that puts students first. You can connect with me at:
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![]() | Ryan VanjoffMy wife and I are proud to be raising our five children in Ward 5. I currently serve as President of the River Heights Community Association and volunteer at the neighborhood outdoor rink, as well as a coach with the Saskatoon Renegades hockey program and Saskatoon A's baseball organization. I was honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of community service. Professionally, I help boards and executives across Canada recruit leaders and strengthen governance as a Principal with Boyden, a global executive search firm. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University. I believe great schools are at the heart of great communities. As a parent, coach, and community volunteer, I understand the importance of investing in our children. I am seeking your support to be a strong, practical voice for students and families. You can connect with me at ryanvanjoff@gmail.com. |
Candidate Forum
All candidates have been invited to take part in a Candidate Forum as part of the Ward 5 By-Election. The forum is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to Ward 5 voters, share why they are seeking the position of trustee, answer questions from the community, and discuss what they would bring to the role.
The forum will take place at Silverwood Heights School on October 6, from 7–8 p.m.
All Ward 5 residents are welcome to attend.
Information for Voters
Who Can Vote
For a person to be eligible to vote on election day, they must:
- be at least 18 years of age;
- be a Canadian citizen;
- have resided in Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months;
- have resided in the City of Saskatoon for at least three consecutive months; and
- currently residing within the boundaries of Civic Ward 5.
Identification Requirements
You are required to bring acceptable identification (ID) that bears your name and address with you to the voting location:
- One piece of identification issued by the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, a municipality or a government agency that contains a photograph of the voter and his or her name and address e.g. Saskatchewan driver's licence or Saskatchewan photo-ID
- Any two pieces of information or documents, each of which establishes the voter’s name and at least one of which establishes the voter’s address. There are more than 50 pieces of acceptable ID documents.
A voter can also have another eligible voter who is a family member with acceptable ID documents to vouch for their identity, by completing the appropriate declaration with the election official at their polling location on election day, if they do not have any of the acceptable ID documents.
Voting
You may vote during the advance poll or on election day.
Advance Poll: October 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Rusty Macdonald Library - 225 Primrose Dr.
Election Day: October 28, 2026, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at any of the following locations:
Rusty Macdonald Library | 225 Primrose Dr |
École Silverspring School | 610 Konihowski Rd |
Brownell School | 274 Russell Road |
Silverwood Heights School | 403 Silverwood Rd |
Lawson Heights School | 430 Redberry Rd |
École River Heights School | 60 Ravine Dr |
Interim Trustee Representation
Until a new Ward 5 trustee is elected, Ward 5 schools have been temporarily assigned to other members of the Board of Education to ensure each school continues to have trustee representation:
- Brownell School — Kirk Jones
- Lawson Heights School — Anne-Marie Rollo
- École River Heights School — Donna Banks
- Silverwood Heights School — Ross Tait
- École Silverspring School — Angela Arneson
- Marion M. Graham Collegiate — Tanya Napper
Families and community members can continue to contact the trustee temporarily assigned to their school with questions or concerns that would normally be directed to their Ward 5 trustee.
More Information
The City of Saskatoon is administering the by-election. For the latest information about voter eligibility, voting locations, advance voting, identification requirements, and other election details, visit Elections Saskatoon.




