British Columbia's Minister of Education, Lisa Beare, has made headlines by dismissing the entire Victoria School Board after prolonged tensions related to student safety and police presence. This decisive action came on January 30, 2025, following intense debate and community outcry over the board's controversial decision to limit police access to schools.
Beare's move is closely tied to the board's 2023 decision to bar police from schools except during emergencies, which the board justified by stating concerns over the safety and comfort of students and staff, especially those from Indigenous and minority backgrounds. "Our government has provided the board with multiple opportunities to meet the needs of the community, and this board has not delivered," Beare explained. She added, "This distraction has gone on long enough. I am stepping in to get this district back on track and recenter everyone's focus on the need of students, where it should be."
The dismissal is not only significant due to its rarity but also marks the first time since 2016—when the Vancouver School Board was ousted—that such drastic measures were needed. Beare emphasized the urgency of student safety, noting, "It has become clear to me the board has lost the trust of many to govern in the public interest."
Former board chair Nicole Duncan expressed her disappointment, stating the decision was "extremely disappointing and fundamentally undemocratic." Many former board members are reportedly reviewing their options and considering their next steps following their abrupt ousting.
At the helm of the disbanded board, Sherri Bell, the newly appointed trustee, brings experience as the former president of Camosun College and as the superintendent of schools within the Greater Victoria School District (SD61). Her role, which is set to last until the next municipal elections scheduled for fall 2026, will center on developing and implementing effective safety plans for the district’s approximately 20,000 students across 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 secondary schools.
Before the dismissal, the relationship between the board and local First Nations, law enforcement, and various community stakeholders had deteriorated. The province had previously mandated the board to create a comprehensive safety plan, particularly as reports of rising gang activity emerged. Yet, according to Beare, the board failed to collaborate effectively with these partners, and safety plans submitted were deemed inadequate.
Criticism of the board did not come solely from the provincial government; numerous community groups, including First Nations, expressed their concerns over the decision to eliminate the school police liaison officer (SPLO) program. Critics argued this action disregarded student safety and partnered voices, with some emphasizing the need for police to help address the increased violence and insecurity reported within schools.
Beare noted external pressures and threats to student well-being had been mounting, leading the ministry to assign special advisor Kevin Godden to assist the board with the crafting of safety plans. Unfortunately, the board rejected Godden's recommendations, resulting in strained community relations. Reappointed to his advisory role under Bell, Godden is expected to assist in creating and finalizing efficient safety measures, focusing on building relationships with community stakeholders.
Supporters of the board's dismissal included local police chiefs who expressed optimism for the new direction. Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie stated, "We have been expressing our concern about safety in schools for more than two years, and look forward to working with the appointed trustee... on a collaborative way forward to keep students safe."
Conversely, critics of the dismissal argue it undermines the democratic process. Carolyn Howe, the president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, voiced her concerns: "To have an elected board of trustees, removed for exercising its rightful authority raises huge concerns."
Lynne Block, the B.C. Conservative education critic, deemed the dismissal of the board long overdue, expressing relief to see what she described as “a rogue board” dismissed. The provincial government's involvement led to polarized opinions within the community, with some parent-led groups and concerned advocates expressing hope for safety reinstatements to schools.
The controversy surrounding police presence in schools echoes broader national conversations on policing and safety within educational environments. While several school boards across Canada have removed police presence based on community feedback, others still grapple with the balance between ensuring safety and fostering trust among diverse student populations.
The path forward for the Greater Victoria School District lies with Sherri Bell and the collaborative efforts of educational leaders, law enforcement, and community members dedicated to student safety. Bell's appointment signals hope for transparency and effective governance as the district prepares for the next chapter following months of conflict.