... finally, there was a devastating critique by the chiefs of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. They revealed the board has been treating them with the same indifferent disdain that it has for everyone else who is concerned about the decision.
“The board has failed repeatedly to listen from a place of humility, openness and mutual respect,” wrote the chiefs, citing the fact an experienced, trusted Indigenous liaison RCMP officer has been pulled from schools.
Those are some of the elements that led Education Minister Lisa Beare to put the Greater Victoria School District’s board of education on notice Friday ...
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NOTE --- The Conservative Party of BC released the following statement, on this situation, yesterday:
ReplyDeleteBC Conservative Opposition Criticizes Delayed Action on SD61 Student Safety
December 6, 2024, North Vancouver, BC: The following is a joint statement from Lynne Block, MLA for West Vancouver – Capilano and Conservative Caucus critic for Education and Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey South and Conservative Caucus critic for Public Safety, on the appointment of a special advisor to the Greater Victoria School District:
“The appointment of a special advisor to assist the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) in revising its student safety plan is a necessary step, but one that has come far too late. For years, students and families have raised urgent concerns about safety in SD61 schools following the board’s decision to disband the School Police Liaison Officer program in 2023. The resulting rise in gang activity and violence was met with silence from this NDP government. Students, parents, and communities deserve far better.”
“It is deeply troubling that ministerial intervention was required to compel the school district to act on such a critical issue. Any delay in addressing safety concerns will disrupt student education, harm their wellbeing, and negatively affect parents’ confidence in the school system. This government and the school district have shown a troubling reluctance to take responsibility and act decisively. We hope this signals a change in approach.”
“While the appointment of a special advisor offers a glimmer of hope, actions speak louder than words. This revised safety plan must be transparent, and its implementation must be swift, comprehensive, and effective. Nothing short of a safe, caring, and supportive environment for students is acceptable.”
“As we move forward, we remain cautiously optimistic that this marks the start of a new chapter—one where student safety (physical, emotional, and psychological) is prioritized over politics. Our caucus will continue to hold both School District 61 and the government accountable to ensure these commitments result in meaningful change for students, families, and the broader community.”