Greater Victoria School District governance dispute

The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) is facing a governance dispute following the May reinstatement of its board, which had been dismissed in early 2025.

On August 28, the board announced that Superintendent Deb Whitten and several senior leadership members were placed on leave. The board cited concerns regarding serious governance issues, alleging that policies related to student safety, accountability, and fiscal responsibility were altered or rescinded during the board's absence. The board also raised questions regarding potential ‘financial benefits’ provided to opponents of school liaison officers and transactions occurring outside normal operating processes.

By August 31, senior leadership and two directors issued a joint statement clarifying that they were on medical leave rather than being placed on leave by the board. The staff denied any knowledge of improper communications or wrongdoing, noting they had operated under the direction of a provincial official trustee while the elected board was removed. They further denied awareness of any improper financial transactions or benefits related to the board’s termination or reinstatement.

In September, the district reported significant trustee turnover ahead of the October 17 elections. Only one incumbent trustee, Angela Carmichael, is seeking re-election, while eight other colleagues will not run again. This instability follows the January 2025 dismissal of the board by B.C. Minister of Education Lisa Beare over a dispute regarding the school police liaison program. Although the trustees successfully challenged that dismissal in the B.C. Supreme Court, observers suggest that online vitriol and personal attacks may have influenced the decision of incumbents to step down. For the upcoming election, candidates will run in specific zones rather than region-wide.