Rob Schoen (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Threats to Schools

Frustrated SD73 officials to consider surveillance cameras after string of vandalism, threats

Sep 20, 2019 | 4:03 AM

KAMLOOPS — After the latest threat painted on the outside of a Kamloops school, district officials say they will pursue surveillance cameras on school properties.

Staff at Dallas Elementary saw a painted threat on the side of the building Friday morning (Sept. 20).

This comes after threats at Valleyview Secondary and Sa-Hali Secondary earlier this month.

Speaking to CFJC Today this morning, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Rob Schoen was clearly exasperated.

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Schoen says surveillance cameras may help prevent future instances of vandalism.

“That question is going to be discussed today when I get back to the school board office,” said Schoen. “Right now, we don’t know who it is. We do have the ability to put in security cameras — we need to go to the [Board of Education] to request permission to do so and to let the public know where they’re going to be. But it’s certainly a conversation we’re going to have.”

In addition to the painted threats, RCMP have dealt with a social media threat to the private Kamloops Christian School this week, arresting a suspect.

Schoen says threats cause a huge disruption and do more damage than the perpetrator might think.

“It’s frustrating in the sense that schools are safe places for children. When people put that in question, it is unnecessary and completely inappropriate,” said Schoen. “I think the public is very wise, knowing and understanding that these aren’t things we brush off; these are things we take seriously. But I think they would prefer this didn’t happen as well.”