A high school teacher in the Nanaimo area has been suspended after a professional misconduct investigation found he failed to attend a major student track meet while also operating a clothing business involving students at school.
Phi John Le, a teacher employed in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, received a one-day suspension of his teaching certificate on May 15 following a consent resolution agreement released by the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.
The disciplinary findings outlined concerns about student supervision, honesty with the school district and inappropriate business activity conducted on school grounds.
Teacher Failed to Attend Island Track and Field Meet
According to the disciplinary agreement, Le served as the teacher sponsor for a school track and field team participating in the Island Track and Field Meet in Port Alberni in May 2024.
The investigation found that Le had requested and received two paid athletic release days to supervise students at the event. However, despite receiving approval and compensation for the assignment, he did not attend the meet.
Instead, the agreement states Le asked another coach from a different school to oversee the students in his place. School officials later learned he had not informed the district that he would be absent from the competition.
False Explanation Given to District
The disciplinary ruling states that Le initially claimed he missed the event because of a death in the family. However, during a later interview with district officials, he reportedly admitted he had actually been unable to attend because he needed to move out of his apartment.
The commissioner’s report concluded that the false explanation raised significant concerns regarding professional integrity and judgment.
School authorities determined that the lack of communication created confusion for students and staff attending the competition.
Student Athletes Impacted by Absence
The consequences of Le’s absence reportedly extended beyond organizational issues at the meet.
According to the agreement, students experienced uncertainty over supervision because responsibilities had not been properly communicated before the event began. Investigators also found that no emergency plan had been prepared or shared with students or supervising staff.
Provincial Eligibility Lost for Two Students
One of the most serious outcomes involved two student athletes who had qualified for provincial competition.
The disciplinary findings state the students were declared ineligible for provincials because no designated coach attended a mandatory registration meeting connected to the event.
The commissioner noted that the situation negatively affected students who had earned advancement opportunities through their athletic performance.
Clothing Business Operated at School
The investigation also examined Le’s involvement in a vintage clothing business that reportedly became intertwined with school activities.
According to the disciplinary document, Le frequently discussed the business with students, displayed clothing items inside his classroom and conducted sales on school property during school hours.
Cash Transactions Took Place at School
The agreement states that Le occasionally sold clothing directly to students while on campus, including accepting cash payments during the school day.
Regulators determined that operating a private business in this manner breached professional standards expected of educators.
The commissioner’s report said the conduct blurred professional boundaries between teacher and student relationships.
Earlier District Discipline Before Provincial Investigation
Before the provincial regulator became involved, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District had already disciplined Le internally.
The agreement states he received a three-day unpaid suspension from the district in October 2024.
A broader investigation by the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation was later launched to examine whether the conduct amounted to professional misconduct under provincial teaching standards.
Teacher Admitted Professional Misconduct
As part of the consent resolution agreement, Le admitted that his actions constituted professional misconduct and violated the ethical and professional expectations placed on teachers in British Columbia.
The commissioner said the final disciplinary decision considered several factors, including the impact on students, concerns involving honesty and professional judgment, and the fact that Le had stopped conducting business activities at school.
Teaching Certificate Suspension Already Served
Le’s one-day certificate suspension was served on May 15.
The disciplinary agreement notes that he has held a valid teaching certificate since 2016 and was working as a high school teacher in the district at the time of the incidents.
The case highlights the importance provincial regulators place on student safety, professional accountability and maintaining appropriate boundaries between educators and students.
Related: B.C. Teacher Banned for 15 Years Following Child-Luring Conviction Involving Student