Ontario Government Reviews School Board Governance Structure

Ontario’s government is reassessing its school board governance model, prompting concerns from various education stakeholders. Education Minister Paul Calandra has indicated that the existing structure is outdated and requires modernization. Critics, however, worry that the proposed changes may undermine the authority of elected trustees, potentially shifting power towards provincial decision-makers.

In a recent statement to CTV News, Calandra’s press secretary emphasized that the government is not considering the elimination of school boards. The focus, the statement noted, will be on enhancing the role of school board trustees. Yet, advocacy groups such as the Ontario Autism Coalition have raised alarms. Kate Dudley Logue, the coalition’s vice-president of community outreach, highlighted the importance of trustees in voicing community concerns, particularly regarding school funding issues. She remarked, “School board trustees, yes, they are elected by us, and they are there to help families advocate.”

Concerns about the government’s intentions have been amplified by its recent interventions in the affairs of four school boards, including the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). In April 2023, the province took control of TVDSB due to financial management concerns. This decision followed reports of questionable spending practices, including an executive retreat at a Toronto Blue Jays game, which trustees claimed they were unaware of and did not attend. The government cited mismanagement as the reason for its intervention.

Critics argue that diminishing the influence of elected trustees would disproportionately empower administrators, who are already under scrutiny for alleged overspending. This sentiment is echoed by Gabe Pattuzi, chair of the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), who stated, “This model of governance has been central to the strength and success of the LDCSB. To remove elected trustees is to silence the voices of parents and diminish their say in their children’s education.”

In addition to these governance changes, the province is advancing Bill 33, which, if enacted, would grant the education minister expanded powers, including the authority to implement school resource officer programs where available.

Calandra has committed to unveiling the proposed governance model before the end of the year, which will likely continue to stir debate among educators, parents, and advocacy groups regarding the future of school board governance in Ontario.