Minister Comments on Discipline from Taping Incident

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Ramona Jennex thanked the Halifax Regional School Board today, May 24, for its quick action after an incident at a Bedford school last week.

The board has confirmed two employees of the Excel after-school program at Bedford South School are no longer employees of the board after it was alleged several students in the child-care program had tape applied to their mouths on May 16.

"Our schools must be safe havens for our children," said Ms. Jennex. "This incident is very concerning. The board's quick action shows it also finds this type of behaviour unacceptable."

The board is not disclosing more details about the incident as it is under police investigation. The board will review practices to ensure the health and safety of students in its before and after-school programs.

"I am reassured that the school board continues to follow up, to reinforce proper policies and training for their employees, so that they understand that neither this situation, nor anything like it, will be tolerated in our schools," said Ms. Jennex.