B.C. Principal MacCormack Suspended After Duct-Taping Student

Renee Dawn MacCormack, an elementary school principal in the Southeast Kootenay School District, has been suspended for five days after duct-taping a student to their chair during the 2023-2024 school year. The incident, intended to help the student focus, involved MacCormack authorizing and participating in the act, which was later deemed inappropriate by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation. Although initially facing a 20-day suspension and reassignment, MacCormack admitted to professional misconduct in a consent resolution agreement, resulting in a reduced five-day suspension of her teaching certificate and a requirement to complete a course on creating a positive learning environment. The Commissioner criticized her actions, stating she failed to act in the best interests of the student and did not treat them with dignity and respect. The investigation highlighted that she did not disclose her involvement during the district's inquiry, which further undermined her integrity as an educational leader. Other staff members were also aware of the incident's inappropriateness, raising concerns about the oversight within the school.