Ottawa’s public-school board to assess relationship with police

The OCDSB says it remains hopeful a deal can still be reached before Wednesday.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board staff will be assessing its relationship between the city’s largest school board and police, as the Ontario government proposes legislation to require officers in schools.

The board voted Tuesday evening on a motion from Trustee Donna Blackburn, which calls on staff to prepare a report on the “current status” of the OCDSB’s relationship with the Ottawa Police Service for the fall.

The motion also recommends the director of education “continue to engage” with police to establish “standards of practice that allow for police support to schools.”

• Ottawa’s police chief says police increasing presence in schools in response to ‘broader concerns’

Following a lengthy debate, trustees voted 7-5 to pass Blackburn’s motion, despite some board members seeking more consultations with marginalized groups and others expressing concerns over staff resources.

Staff have been asked to return with a report no later than Sept. 30.  

Trustees voted in 2021 to end the School Resource Officer Program, with the board moving to an “emergency response-based relationship with police.”

In January, the Ottawa Police Service introduced a new program that increases access to resources and supports for schools and provides proactive engagement for officers. According to police, the new Community Youth Officers program includes:

• Dedicated support: Schools now have direct access to Community Unit Officers.
• Proactive Engagement: Police say Community Youth Unit officers will provide guidance, build relationships with students and staff, and support initiatives such as educational presentations and lockdown practices
• Streamlined Communications: Clearly defined reporting protocols to “ensure efficient coordination between school and OPS,” police say.

Last week, the Ontario government introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, which includes requiring school boards to implement School Resource Officer programs where they are offered by local police services.