Brandon School Division Launches Urgent Safe Schools Initiative

URGENT UPDATE: The Brandon School Division has just announced the establishment of new safe schools advisory committees aimed at enhancing safety, inclusivity, and well-being for students across the district. This initiative comes in response to heightened community concerns over safety, particularly following a racially motivated attack on a local student.

In a tense board meeting held on September 25, 2023, more than 20 concerned parents, including members of the United Nigerians in Brandon Association, voiced their fears about racism and safety in schools. This meeting was sparked by the recent attack on Chinonso Onuke, a Nigerian-Canadian Grade 10 student at École secondaire Neelin High School, which has added urgency to the need for these committees.

Superintendent Mathew Gustafson detailed the committees’ objectives during the board meeting, stating, “Their mandate will include reviewing the division’s safety and care in schools plan, identifying well-being concerns, and recommending strategies for prevention and intervention.” Each school within the division will have its own committee to foster a supportive and safe educational environment for all.

The committees will specifically review policies regarding conduct, digital citizenship, anti-bullying measures, and incident reports. Gustafson emphasized that recommendations from these committees will be shared with parent councils and summarized annually at the divisional level, ensuring that community voices are heard and acted upon.

Key Details: These committees will meet at least four times a year, with the flexibility to convene more frequently if necessary. The diverse membership will include principals, teachers, parents, students, and community partners such as police and emergency services. This approach aims to ensure that all perspectives within the school community are represented.

Trustee Calistus Ekenna raised critical questions about the inclusion of cultural groups, such as the United Nigerians in Brandon Association, in these discussions. Gustafson reassured attendees that while the division will not impose membership criteria, schools will have the autonomy to select their representatives and that volunteers are welcome.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated, as it comes at a time when local communities demand immediate action to combat racism and enhance safety in schools. The emotional impact of the recent attack has reverberated throughout the community, prompting parents and educators to work collaboratively towards a more secure environment.

As schools begin forming these committees, feedback from principals will be crucial in addressing specific community needs. Board Chair Linda Ross suggested that the issue be prioritized in future meetings with the Brandon City Council to ensure ongoing support and resources for these critical initiatives.

The Brandon School Division is committed to periodically reviewing the terms of reference for these committees to ensure they remain responsive to the evolving safety needs of schools and the broader community.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Brandon School Division takes these vital steps towards a safer educational environment for all students.