Winnipeg police investigating ‘financial misconduct incident’ at high school

St. Paul's High School is seen in Winnipeg, Man., on Nov. 5, 2025. The school said it has experienced a "financial misconduct incident." (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

A private high school in Winnipeg said it experienced a “financial misconduct incident” allegedly involving a former employee, prompting an investigation by police.

In a letter sent to parents of enrolled students on Wednesday, St. Paul’s High School said it identified what appeared to be “unauthorized expenditures” by an employee last summer.

“The school immediately gave notice to its insurance provider and commenced an independent forensic audit,” reads the joint letter signed by Bob Lewin, the school’s interim president and Andrew Stibbard, chair of the board of directors.

The school said the financial impact was “limited,” adding that the school’s insurance coverage allowed for a recovery of losses. The letter didn’t specify how much the losses were, nor did it say whether all or part of the funds were recouped.

“We recognize that any loss of school funds is disappointing and concerning and we take the matter very seriously. St. Paul’s High School is committed to ensuring the school’s governance, financial controls, and oversight systems are strong,” it said in the letter obtained by CTV News.

The all-boys Catholic school said it has since implemented additional measures to strengthen “internal processes and accountability practices.”

The employee resigned earlier in 2024 before the incident was discovered, according to the letter.

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Police Service told CTV News it is aware of the incident and that the matter has been turned over to the Financial Crimes Unit. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement from Lewin, he said the school will not be providing further comment due to personnel and legal considerations.

The school has just over 670 enrolled students, with tuition for the 2025-26 academic year set at $9,200, according to its website.