Manitoba Invests $500,000 to Enhance School Safety Measures

The government of Manitoba has allocated over $500,000 to the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) to enhance safety protocols in schools throughout the province. This decision follows a disturbing incident at Darwin School in St. Vital, where a convicted sex offender allegedly attacked a child. The funding will be used to review existing safety measures and implement controlled access to school facilities.

During a press conference at the MSBA’s head office, Premier Wab Kinew reassured parents and educators, stating, “Schools in Manitoba are safe. Kids, you are safe at school. Parents, it is safe to send your kids to school.” He emphasized the importance of child safety, declaring, “Nothing else matters unless our kids are safe.”

The incident prompting this funding occurred last Thursday when a registered sex offender allegedly hid in a washroom at Darwin School. A girl under the age of ten was reportedly ambushed but managed to escape unharmed. Premier Kinew commended the child for her bravery and reiterated the need for trust between parents and schools.

Manitoba’s Minister of Education, Tracy Schmidt, confirmed she communicated directly with the affected child’s family. She has mandated all school divisions in the province to submit their emergency-response plans for evaluation, focusing on access control measures. “Many schools in Manitoba are already doing this, and we’re going to step in and help those who need a little bit extra support,” Schmidt stated.

To bolster safety across the education system, the MSBA plans to conduct training sessions for all 37 school divisions and develop a provincewide online safety module for school staff. The training will cover controlled access, risk identification, emergency response, and related safety protocols. Schmidt acknowledged that while safety measures were in place at Darwin School, they “clearly” did not function as intended during the incident.

The funding will also support comprehensive safety assessments, training with police experts, and the establishment of a cross-sector safety forum. In response to the event, police confirmed that the suspect, Scott William George, aged 28, had no known connection to the school. He fled the scene, prompting school staff to initiate a hold-and-secure protocol.

A witness followed George as he left the school and entered the nearby St. Vital Centre. Law enforcement, in conjunction with mall security, monitored his movements until he was apprehended. George faces multiple charges, including assault and forcible confinement, and remains in custody. He has been a registered sex offender since pleading guilty to a separate incident involving a child in July 2022, where he was sentenced to two years in custody.

This initiative highlights the provincial government’s commitment to improving the safety of educational environments for children and staff. The recent incident has underscored the need for comprehensive safety protocols, ensuring that all students can learn in secure and supportive settings.