Ontario reconsiders changes to school board governance, sparking concern

Elected officials may be eliminated by the province, with critics calling it a cost to democracy. CTV London’s Reta Ismail reports.

Ontario’s education minister says the current school board governance model is outdated and in need of modernization, but critics fear upcoming changes could weaken the role of elected trustees.

In a statement to CTV News, Education Minister Paul Calandra’s press secretary said proposed governance changes would focus on the role of school board trustees.

“The government is not considering the elimination of school boards,” the statement read.

However, advocacy groups and education stakeholders warn that diminishing the role of elected trustees could shift more power to Queen’s Park and reduce accountability at the local level.

“School board trustees, yes, they are elected by us, and they are there to help families advocate,” said Kate Dudley Logue, vice-president of community outreach with the Ontario Autism Coalition.

“What we’ve seen happening over the last number of years is they’re getting louder about the fact that schools are being underfunded … and it seems pretty clear that the government doesn’t like those voices being loud.”

The province has already intervened in the affairs of four school boards, including the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). In April, the province sidelined TVDSB’s board following concerns over financial management. The decision came after reports of an executive retreat at a Toronto Blue Jays game raised questions about spending.

Trustees said they were not informed about the cost of the retreat and did not attend the event, but the province nevertheless moved to take control, citing mismanagement.

Critics argue that reducing the influence of elected trustees would empower administrators, the same individuals accused of overspending.

The government is also pushing forward with Bill 33, which, if passed, would give the education minister expanded authority, including the power to implement school resource officer programs in boards where they are available.

Gabe Pattuzi, chair of the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), said removing trustees would be a step backward.

“This model of governance has been central to the strength and success of the LDCSB,” he said in a statement.

“To remove elected trustees is to silence the voices of parents and diminish their say in their children’s education.”

Calandra has said the province will unveil its proposed governance model before the end of the year.