Ontario Education Minister Demands Action from Troubled School Board

Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has instructed the Near North District School Board to address significant governance issues or face potential government intervention. This directive follows a report highlighting “overwhelming dysfunction” within the board, which has raised concerns among parents and the community.

Calandra’s ultimatum comes after he placed five other school boards under government supervision. He is exploring broader changes in school board governance, including the possible elimination of trustee roles. A senior ministry official conducted a comprehensive review of the Near North District School Board, prompted by media reports and parent grievances that surfaced last month.

The review, led by Rachel Osborne, identified a “deficit of leadership” from the board’s director of education and noted a fractured relationship between the administration and trustees. The report indicated that many trustees lack essential experience and knowledge of effective governance. Osborne’s findings underscored the board’s divided nature, stating, “Under the current leadership of the board of trustees and the director of education, I do not see a viable path forward in which this school board is governing and leading in a manner that restores public trust and confidence.”

Calandra’s directives to the Near North District School Board include immediate actions with deadlines ranging from five to 15 business days. The board is required to implement a professional development plan for its members and engage an outside expert to assist in evaluating the director of education’s performance. The report highlighted concerns that Craig Myles, the director of education, has participated in discussions about his own performance rating.

Additionally, Myles is now mandated to work from the board’s main office rather than an unused school located three kilometers away. The report noted that Myles’ salary has increased from $171,000 in 2020 to $303,800 as of January 2024. There were also allegations regarding the misuse of corporate credit cards, with family members reportedly using Myles’ card for personal expenses, which he has promised to reimburse.

In a public statement, Calandra emphasized the urgency of these measures, saying, “I expect the board to act immediately, without delay or excuse, to correct these failures and put students first.” He warned that failure to comply would result in further actions to ensure accountability and restore stability.

The board has declined to comment through a spokesperson, and Myles did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation. The governance challenges have already led to the resignation of three trustees this year. Osborne suggested that bringing in new members could help mitigate the dysfunction, noting that prior to the resignations, the board was largely composed of inexperienced trustees.

The report also addressed ongoing issues related to the delayed opening of a new school in Parry Sound, which has frustrated parents and students alike. The board had planned for over a decade to close two elementary schools and the Parry Sound High School to establish a new JK-12 school. Parents were informed in 2023 that the new school would open in September 2025, but they received notification shortly before the 2025 school year that this timeline would not be met.

Students at Parry Sound High School were informed just a week before the school year began that they would start the term virtually, as the partially demolished building was deemed unfit for occupancy. The board later announced that in-person classes would resume on September 15.

As the situation unfolds, the Ontario government remains vigilant in its oversight of the Near North District School Board, aiming to restore effective governance and regain community trust.