IPE/BC statement on the firing of the democratically elected Greater Victoria School Board
January 31, 2005
The Institute for Public Education/BC is very concerned that the Minister for Education and Child Care, the Hon. Lisa Beare, has fired the democratically elected Greater Victoria School Board. We recognize that it is essential to engage Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities in shaping future policies to ensure their experiences in schools are inclusive and safe; however, the firing of a duly elected school board is not a principle that any government in Canada should follow.
This action has serious implications for the role of democratically elected school boards and their ability to respond to community needs and advocate for the public schools and students in their districts. Further it casts a pall over the trustee by-elections scheduled for this spring and the trustee elections set for the fall of 2026. This sends a disturbing message to voters. The low participation in local government elections is already of concern, and this action may well further depress voting rates at a time when democratic engagement is needed more than ever.
As stated by the Canadian Association of School Boards, “School boards are an important part of Canada’s political landscape and represent democratic participation in public education. Governing school boards enable local decision making in response to local needs.”
Additionally, we are worried about the message that the firing of the Greater Victoria School Board sends to students. We believe that it’s very important, especially in a time of increased polarization, for students to learn and practice the skills of dialogue, consensus-building, cooperation and respectful advocacy.
IPE/BC is deeply concerned about the unmet needs in BC’s public schools and, together with many others, has identified the inadequate funding and support for students with diverse and special needs as an urgent issue to be addressed. Our board of directors had expected that this would be a high priority for the new government as well and are dismayed to see that the firing of an elected school board takes precedence.
We call on the Minister and the government as a whole to respect the role of democratically elected boards of education, investing the necessary time and commitment required to resolve differences as they arise, and to turn their attention to the pressing issues in our schools.
