Ontario Education Minister Demands Return of $7,000 in Trustee Purchases

Ontario’s Education Minister, Stephen Calandra, has formally requested the return of nearly $7,000 worth of personal electronics and related items from Markus de Domenico, a trustee on the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). The minister’s demand follows claims that these purchases were made using taxpayer funds.

In a letter addressed to de Domenico, Calandra stated he was informed of the alleged spending by a supervisor he appointed to the TCDSB in June 2023. He emphasized the need for board resources to support students rather than personal expenses. “Given your repeated public statements that you have no office and that, since the Supervisor’s appointment, your role as trustee is limited solely to denominational issues, please arrange to return the following items purchased with taxpayers’ dollars, totaling $6,704.04,” the letter noted.

De Domenico, who serves as the chair of the TCDSB and represents Ward 2 – Etobicoke, did not reply to requests for comment by the time this article was published. His LinkedIn profile criticizes the current state of the TCDSB, stating it is under the Ministry of Education’s supervision, which he claims denies parents their democratic right to representation in their children’s education.

In an interview on Breakfast Television, Minister Calandra highlighted specific expenditures, including multiple TV wall mounts and an expensive Apple Watch strap. He remarked, “Of course, they’re going to have expenses in doing their job, but not expenses for themselves. It’s a part-time job that is to focus on student achievement, not personal enrichment.”

Calandra is also pushing for reforms in the governance model of Ontario’s schools. His approach has drawn criticism, with TCDSB trustees alleging hypocrisy on his part. They point to his own expenditures, including community events that have cost tens of thousands of dollars. Critics cite $2,223 for pancake breakfasts, $11,863 for Santa Claus parade expenses, and a particularly contentious $23,000 community barbecue last year.

“I do think he’s hypocritical,” stated Trustee Maria Rizzo. “He shouldn’t have had it when he’s going after school trustees and their expenses. If this is the best that he can do, take your shots, do whatever you want, but at some point you’re going to have to talk about the real issue, which is chronic underfunding of education.”

In response to the criticisms, the Education Minister’s office expressed confidence in his expense management. The office explained that Calandra lives just outside the threshold for the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) housing benefit and occasionally stays in hotels during late-night legislative sessions.

“Community events such as the Strawberry Festival Pancake Breakfast and the annual Community BBQ are long-standing traditions in Stouffville,” a press secretary stated. The office contended that these events, which are open to all residents, cannot be equated with the personal expenses incurred by some trustees. The minister’s office pointed to receipts for Apple TV subscriptions, casino meals, and late-night food orders as examples of inappropriate spending.

Calandra has previously removed trustee powers at five Ontario school boards, replacing them with government-appointed supervisors. He has indicated that he may eliminate the trustee role entirely by the end of the year. The TCDSB trustees are considering legal options to challenge Calandra’s actions and protect their roles within the board.