RCMP says their investigation found teacher committed no criminal offense
The hallways and classrooms at Lake Cowichan School may be full of activity once again but as students and teachers returned from spring break today, there is one noticeable absence.
The school’s vice-principal is not around.
Brent Zimmer is still listed as the vice-principal on the schools web page but before spring break teachers were told he would not be returning pending an investigation.
Both the superintendent and school board chair declined on camera interviews.
Superintendent Rod Allen said in a statement “I cannot comment on personnel matters. Therefore I can neither confirm nor deny your story.”
The RCMP says also it looked into allegations of possible misconduct
“Earlier this month we received a report of possible misconduct by a teacher at the secondary school here,” says Sgt. Stu Foster. “We thoroughly investigated the matter determining that no criminal offences occurred with the evidence we’ve received so far.
On the Online Registry of BC Teachers it shows Brent Allan Zimmer signed an undertaking not to teach starting today.
It means his teacher certification is still valid but he’s promised not to practice pending resolution of the matter before the Commissioner of Teacher Regulation or a hearing panel under the Teachers Act.
“I’m surprised. I mean he’s been around for years,” says one student. “I’ve had Mr. Zimmer as a teacher and now vice-principal so it’s different.”
And while school may be back in full swing following the break the absence of a top administrator so far raises many questions but the School Board is providing few answers.
Kendall Hanson
