To the Board of Education and the Superintendent of SD 79:
I would like to follow up on my email and letter from June 9 as there has been new developments with the RCMP announcing that the teen’s report of sexual assault was false.
I would like to start by recognizing that the Cowichan Secondary School and its teachers are wonderful and do a great job. My daughter has thrived and learned a great deal and she has been very happy at the school.
The focus of my concerns (and many other parents) is that their kids are expected to move through Duncan unsupervised in a part of town that has had its fair share of problems, which is putting them at considerable risk.
The incident, though shown to be false, has brought up a groundswell of concern from parents who have been generally silent about this issue (though not entirely). I would like to ask you, as the board of education, to hold a special board meeting this summer to deal with the issue of unsupervised student movement between campuses.
I would also like to point out that a Facebook page called “Cowichan peaceful protest” has been set up in regards to this issue and now has over 1,300 people who have joined. This is sending a strong message that parents are very concerned about this issue.
I would also like to note that the tone and messaging on the Cowichan Secondary PAC Facebook page is notably different.
Depending on the CSS PAC executive for consultation may limit your ability to fully understand parents’ concerns in regards to this issue. It is the board’s responsibility to set policy with the kids’ safety first and foremost in mind. I urge you to make changes to your policy that will prevent unsupervised movement of kids between campuses.
Brian Westgate
Duncan