South Shore: Teacher Wins Court Battle With School Board

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has ruled in favour of an elementary school teacher who argued he was unreasonably fired more than three years ago. Peter Speight was let go by the South Shore Regional School Board after he plead guilty to committing an indecent act. The Bridgewater native was given a conditional discharge and later fired by the board. It marked the beginning of a three year legal battle which concluded with a decision on Thursday. Speight was teaching Grade 3 at New Germany Elementary School when the charge was laid in connection with incidents that occurred in 2008 in the Halifax area. Police said Speight would call women over to his car and pretend to ask for directors while he masturbated in his vehicle. In a 45 page decision, Justice Gerald Moir determined Speight is apologetic, a low risk to re-offend and has completed rehabilitation. The decision means Speight could get his job back if his teaching certificate is reinstated. He would also need to participate in a restorative justice program. An official with the school board told CKBW News late this afternoon the Department of Education has stepped in to try and block Speight from returning to the classroom. If the process moves forward in his favour, Speight would be awarded $150,000 in back pay for the work he has missed or in lost wages while fighting the matter in court.