Hidden cameras at Queen Elizabeth PS

Mark Ribble

Leamington Post

A recent incident at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Leamington has staff members scratching their heads.

The discovery of hidden surveillance cameras in the staff room took many by surprise.

The cameras were video equipped, but without audio, according to information received from an anonymous email to the Post.

The email alleges that a special meeting was held on September 20 which included representatives from the Greater Essex County District School Board, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, CUPE and Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.

According to the email, the cameras were disguised as smoke detectors and when the board was questioned, they took immediate action in removing them.

At the meeting last Tuesday, the GECDSB informed the others that the board does not consider the staff room to be a private setting and that this kind of surveillance could occur again if circumstances warrant.

The ETFO did not reply to inquiries from the Post.

The OSSTF declined further comment on the incident, issuing a brief reply.

"We are in discussions with the employer regarding this matter and are not

going to provide a statement at this time," said District 9 Vice President Martha Hradowy.

The Board of Education, meanwhile, also refused to comment, sending a reply stating "at this time we are unable to comment because this is a personnel issue."