The Greater Victoria Board of Education has raised concerns over potential financial benefits received by one or more individuals who opposed the board’s stance on having police in schools. The trustees were reinstated by the province on May 25 after being dismissed over a year ago due to disagreements regarding the school police liaison officer (SPLO) program.
Upon their reinstatement, the board discovered that certain policies and procedures related to fiscal responsibility, accountability, and student safety had been altered without explanation during their absence. The board expressed worries about undisclosed financial benefits and irregular transactions involving those who opposed their position on School Police Liaison Officers.
The board is currently investigating these allegations to understand and verify the situation. When asked for further details, the board referred back to their initial statement. The district’s superintendent and other senior leadership members are on leave, although the reasons, start date, and other details surrounding their absence were not disclosed.
Despite the staff leaves, the board emphasized its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring proper oversight and governance practices. They reassured that student and staff return to school will not be affected, as capable individuals are in place to provide necessary assistance.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care stated that they could not comment on school district human resources matters but emphasized the importance of a smooth transition back to school for each school board. The saga involving the school board began when Education Minister Lisa Beare dismissed the board in January 2025 and replaced them with a sole trustee following the cancellation of the SPLO program two years earlier. This decision was made after a prolonged dispute over a school safety plan that involved the presence of police in schools, ultimately leading to the reinstatement of the board trustees after a judicial review revealed mishandling of the case by the province.