Brandon School Division Establishes Committees for Safer Schools

The Brandon School Division has introduced a framework for new safe schools advisory committees aimed at enhancing safety, inclusivity, and well-being within its educational institutions. This initiative comes in response to community concerns regarding safety and racial issues in local schools.

In June, over 20 concerned parents, many dressed in black, attended a board meeting alongside representatives from the United Nigerians in Brandon Association. They voiced their fears following a racially motivated attack on Chinonso Onuke, a Nigerian-Canadian student at École secondaire Neelin High School, which was described by local law enforcement as a significant incident requiring urgent attention.

During the board’s first general meeting of the academic year, Mathew Gustafson, the Superintendent of the Brandon School Division, detailed the purpose of the committees. Each school will establish its own advisory group to foster a safe and supportive environment for students, staff, and community members.

“The committee’s mandate includes reviewing the division’s safety and care in schools plan, identifying well-being concerns, and recommending strategies for prevention and intervention,” Gustafson explained. He emphasized that the committees would also review important policies such as the code of conduct, digital citizenship, anti-bullying measures, and risk response protocols.

Recommendations from these committees will be communicated to parent councils and summarized annually at the divisional level. “Reporting could take several forms, including newsletters, presentations to school communities, or aggregated divisional reports,” Gustafson noted after the meeting. If trends arise across different schools, the division may establish a committee to provide further support.

The composition of the committees is designed to reflect a broad spectrum of the school community. Suggested members include principals or vice-principals, teachers, support staff, parents, students, and representatives from local emergency services and community organizations.

To ensure fair representation, Gustafson highlighted the importance of establishing a minimum membership requirement. “If you restricted it to just two, it might be difficult to have a representative committee of the school community,” he stated. “Having a minimum ensures that different stakeholders are represented, but allows for participation from all groups.”

Participation in these committees will be voluntary, allowing members to feel comfortable in their roles. Trustee Calistus Ekenna raised the question of whether cultural organizations, such as the United Nigerians in Brandon Association, could take part. Gustafson confirmed that while the division will not dictate membership, school communities are encouraged to select representatives, and individuals may volunteer as well.

The committees are expected to meet at least four times a year, with the flexibility to convene more frequently if necessary. Gustafson recognized that different schools have unique needs, stating, “For instance, Alexander School may have very different needs than Crocus Plains High School.” This approach ensures that the committees address specific concerns relevant to their respective communities.

As the formation of these committees progresses, feedback from principals will be shared with staff, parents, and students. Board Chair Linda Ross suggested including the issue on the agenda for the next joint meeting with Brandon City Council to further discuss community safety needs.

“The terms of reference will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain responsive to the safety needs of schools and the broader community,” Gustafson added, underscoring the division’s commitment to fostering a safe educational environment for all.