B.C. fires Victoria School Board over ban on police in schools

British Columbia’s education minister has fired the entire Victoria School Board in a dispute over a safety plan where the board barred police from schools.

After an ongoing disagreement over police in schools, B.C.’s education minister has fired the Greater Victoria School Board of trustees and replaced them with an interim representative.

“Our government has provided the board with multiple opportunities to meet the needs of the community and this board has not delivered,” Education Minister Lisa Beare said Thursday.

“This distraction has gone on long enough. I am stepping in to get this district back on track and re-centre everyone’s focus on the needs of students, where it should be.”

The ruling comes after ongoing disputes since SD61’s board chose to end the school police liaison officer program in 2023.

A ministerial order was issued in the fall of 2024 instructing the board to collaborate with a variety of partners, including Indigenous leaders and police, on a student safety plan.

Special advisor Dr. Kevin Godden was also appointed to work with the groups as Beare and police departments reported concerns with increased gang activity in schools.

“This process also brought to light governance concerns with the board and it has become clear to me that the board has lost the trust of many to govern in the public interest,” said Beare.

“The board has failed to work together with local First Nations, police and other key stakeholders to prioritize student safety. First Nations leadership have told me directly that they cannot continue to work with a board that does not believe in governing with transparency, integrity or in the public interest.”

CTV News received a statement from the former board chair Nicole Duncan. “We are aware of the decision,” she said. “It is extremely disappointing and profoundly undemocratic. The former board members are reviewing it in detail and considering their next steps.”

The Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association is expressing frustration.

“It doesn’t matter what side of the issue in our community you’ve landed on police in schools, democratic processes need to be upheld,” said GVTA president Carolyn Howe. “I think it’s important for everyone in our community to take a step back and consider the political climate we’re in. Supporting and shoring up democratic processes are going to be fundamental in the years ahead and this is really a step backwards from that.”

A parent in the school district, who’s led a protest against the school police liaison officer program and the government intervention, is also renewing their concern.

“I think this is a distraction from the Ministry of Education’s responsibility to be paying for programs that we know are evidence-based and cost-effective for actually addressing safety in schools for students,” said Alyx MacAdams.

The education minister has appointed former school superintendent Sherri Bell to the role of trustee until the next election in 2026.

“Saanich Police Department fully respects the decision made by the minister,” said Saanich police Chief Dean Duthie.

He had not spoken with Bell or the special advisor following the provincial announcement for clarification on what this could mean going forward for the role of police in schools.

“The Saanich Police Department will be front and centre at that table to offer any assistance we can to bring the safety plan to a conclusion so we can all move forward – and make, again, the schools the safest place possible for students to thrive and learn,” said Duthie.

Esquimalt Nation chief and council have released a media statement, signed by four councillors, thanking the minister for her choice to remove the board of education.

“This action reflects the province’s commitment to creating equitable, transparent, and culturally responsive systems that meet the needs of Indigenous students,” it said.

“It is our believe that by approaching this transition with kindness and understanding, we can create a path forward that is both inclusive and deeply restorative. With this restorative lens at the forefront, we can work together to build systems that support all students and communities, creating a foundation for lasting success and inclusion.”

The Greater Victoria School District sent a letter from the minister to all SD61 families. “Our focus is and always will be students,” wrote superintendent Deb Whitten. “Providing safe, culturally responsive, and inclusive learning environments that ensure the voices of the community we serve are reflected in our work.”