B.C. minister wants new safety plan for Victoria schools, threatens board removal [Video]

British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has appointed a special adviser to help the Victoria school board “revise and improve” its safety plan after it barred police from schools except in emergencies.

Beare says former Abbotsford, B.C., school superintendent Kevin Godden will help with the changes, and if a plan isn’t reached by Jan. 6, she will consider using the School Act to replace the current school board.

Police haven’t been allowed at district schools except in special circumstances since last year, and the board says it based that decision on reports that some students and teachers — particularly those who are Indigenous or people of colour — don’t feel safe with officers in schools.

Victoria police Chief Del Manak has repeatedly criticized the board’s decision, citing concerns that include increased gang activity in schools.

Ongoing public objections by youth counsellors and area First Nations to the removal of police …