Manitoba’s Department of Education has mandated that all schools in the province conduct safety evaluations following a recent child assault incident. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the paramount importance of child safety, stating that nothing else takes precedence. The incident occurred at Darwin School in Winnipeg’s St. Vital area, where a student was assaulted in a bathroom on November 27. The accused, Scott William George, faces charges of assault and forcible confinement for the incident. Despite the attack, the child managed to defend themselves and escape unharmed.
Education Minister Tracy Schmidt has instructed all school divisions to submit emergency response plans for review, focusing on access control at entrances. Premier Kinew stressed the need for a locked-door policy in all Manitoba schools. The deadline for school divisions to submit their reports is set for December 25. There are a total of 37 school divisions and 690 public schools in Manitoba.
To enhance school safety, the government has allocated $500,000 for training sessions conducted by the Manitoba School Boards Association. These sessions will cover controlled access, risk assessment, emergency response, and safety protocols. Additionally, a provincewide online school safety training module for staff will be developed.
The MSBA will host a provincial school safety forum, bringing together education leaders, law enforcement, child welfare partners, and community experts to discuss comprehensive safety improvements. The goal is to share best practices and ensure incidents like the recent assault do not reoccur. Criticism has been directed at the government for not including George on the provincial website for sex offender notifications.
Premier Kinew acknowledged the necessity of community notifications regarding high-risk offenders and emphasized the government’s commitment to keeping Manitoba schools safe. The incident prompted a hold-and-secure protocol at Darwin School, where doors were locked until the suspect was apprehended. Discussions on the role of police officers in schools have emerged, with some advocating for increased presence despite past criticisms.
Progressive Conservative education critic Wayne Ewasko highlighted the importance of mandating locked doors in schools for enhanced security. He expressed concerns over the funding allocation for school safety measures, urging a more substantial commitment from the government. The province aims to ensure that schools across Manitoba prioritize student safety by implementing effective security measures.
Schools in Manitoba have been given until December 25 to update their safety plans following the recent assault incident at a St. Vital elementary school. The government’s focus remains on enhancing school safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of students and staff.