Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare has announced that government has appointed an official trustee to School District No. 61 (Greater Victoria) and relieved the trustees of their duties.
The appointment is effective immediately, clearing the way for the completion and implementation of a safety plan for the district.
“Students are at the centre of every decision I make, and ultimately their safety in this school district is at risk. Our government has given this board multiple opportunities to act, and they have not delivered,” Beare said. “The decision to remove an elected board is a difficult one, but it is necessary to bring our collective focus in School District 61 back to where it belongs – supporting students.”
Sherri Bell, former president of Camosun College and superintendent of schools with School District 61, has been appointed as an official trustee to replace the board and carry out its duties and authorities. The official trustee’s appointment takes effect immediately and is expected to continue until the next scheduled elections in fall 2026.
In early December 2024, Kevin Godden was appointed as a special adviser to assist the board with developing a revised safety and implementation plan. Godden has been reappointed in his role with School District 61, working with the official trustee to collaborate with community partners to finalize the safety and implementation plans for the school district.
Under Section 172(1) of the School Act, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint an official trustee to conduct the affairs of a school district and replace the current board in specific circumstances. In the case of School District 61, there is evidence that the board did not assist the special adviser, demonstrated significant governance issues and failed to collaborate with partners in the development of a safety plan.
Learn More:
To view the Order in Council appointing the official trustee, visit:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0040_2025
To view the special adviser report, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Special_Advisor_Report.pdf
To view the ministerial order appointing the special adviser, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/SD61_Special_Advisor_DEC2024.pdf
To view the ministerial order issuing the September 2024 administrative directive, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0339_2024
To read the School Act, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96412_00_multi#division_d2e25504
Two backgrounders follow.
Sherri Bell was the president of Camosun College from 2015 until her retirement in early 2022. Prior to that, she worked in the Greater Victoria School District for 20 years, serving in various senior administrative capacities, including superintendent of schools/chief executive officer. Success and support for all students has been the primary focus in every aspect of her educational career.
Bell was appointed chair of the BC Transit Board of Directors in April 2023. She is also the chair of board for Whitecliffe College Canada. She has also served as the board chair of the British Columbia Council for International Education and chair of British Columbia Colleges. Recently, Bell was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her service to public education and the community.