With the Manitoba government planning to review the province's education system next year, the Region 2 Director for the Manitoba School Boards Association says it's imperative to engage in local school board elections, which will take place October 24.

Although the provincial government oversees the core education points within the system, school boards have the ability to tailor programming based on local needs concerning children's education, Patty Wiebe said. School boards are needed to provide a local voice to the government.

"This means we need people with a passion, drive, and time to get involved and run for school trustee," she said. "Be a part of empowering the next generation."

While an empty ballot is a possibility, Wiebe encourages community members to get involved with the schools, whether that's in the classroom or board room, at the ballot box, through volunteering, or running as a trustee.

"Having all seats filled by acclamation or appointed trustees can send two different messages; either your community is pleased with the job your local trustee is doing, or they are disengaged with their local school community," Wiebe said. "Local voice for local choice."