Student assault prompts review of security, supervision

The Vancouver school board is seeking a review of supervision and security protocols at elementary schools after a six-year-old student at J.W. Sexsmith Elementary School was lured away from the playground and sexually assaulted.

On Monday, trustees unanimously supported a motion asking staff to conduct a comprehensive review of current supervision and security protocols at elementary schools in Vancouver. It would look at the number of supervision aides, fencing of gates, and identify “areas of vulnerability” such as blind spots and areas that require better sight lines. It will also consider the effectiveness of cameras.

The talk around the motion “showed that trustees are very concerned about student safety,” said chair Janet Fraser.

While elementary schools review their supervision protocols on an ongoing basis, the new board wanted to get a better grasp of the protocols and “see if there are any additional measures that can be taken moving forward.”

The motion was in response to the Dec. 5 incident at the South Vancouver school where police say a six-yearold girl was lured from the playground by a stranger, taken off school property nearby, assaulted, and walked back to the school.

The incident was disturbing and unsettling, said Fraser. “My heart goes out to the family and the community at Sexsmith school. It will take some time for the community to process it.”

A preliminary report is expected in March.

In an emailed statement, Supt. Suzanne Hoffman did not answer questions on whether the playground had adequate supervision, but said there does not appear to be a failure in security or safety protocols.

Speaking broadly, Hoffman said students were supervised in and out of class by supervision aides and other education staff, including principals and vice-principals.

Schools also have supervision plans in place designed to meet the needs of the students and the school, which takes into account factors like the number of students, ages, and complexity of the site.

The Sexsmith Parent Advisory Council said the school community has been “deeply shaken” by news of the assault.

At a Dec. 13 meeting with the school board, it asked for a number of extra security and safety measures, including removing foliage at ground level on school grounds to improve sight lines; installing additional fencing around the school; and installing security cameras at key spots around the exterior of the building.

The PAC is also asking staff to boost the number of supervision staff “as we don’t believe the VSB’s model for assessing supervision aides ... works for our school given its increased risk factors.”

Hoffman said extra supports were immediately made at the school following news of the police investigation. “I know the PAC and the principal are working on other ideas in the short-term,” she said. “From the district level, we will absolutely look at their longer-term suggestions to ensure kids are safe.”

Police described the suspect as around 30 years old, with darker skin and brown or grey hair. He was wearing grey pants at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information, including dash-cam footage from the area between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, are asked to contact the sex crimes unit at 604-717-0603.