Ontario Minister Maintains Control of Near North School Board

Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has confirmed he will continue to oversee the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) following significant management issues that have affected the board’s operations. This announcement was made during a town hall meeting attended by approximately one hundred parents at the former Parry Sound High School on Thursday evening.

The meeting also included participation from local Member of Provincial Parliament Graydon Smith and the newly appointed Director of Education, Jay MacJanet. The backdrop of this meeting is the recent turmoil surrounding the NNDSB, particularly the failure to open a new $58 million kindergarten-to-grade 12 school in time for the current school year.

In December 2023, the Ontario government took control of the NNDSB after a ministry review highlighted “deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement” within the board that had eroded public confidence. Calandra acknowledged the strain on families and staff, stating, “For far too long, I think the focus was away from student achievement and on things that really did not help your kids.”

Minister’s Commitment to Student Achievement

Calandra emphasized his commitment to ensuring the board gets back on track before it can be handed back to local governance. He stated, “There’s a lot of work that has to be done, but I can tell you that I’ve retained the position of supervisor for this board.” He also reiterated that supervision of the NNDSB would continue until the new school is completed and the board demonstrates effective management.

Parents at the meeting expressed their frustration, demanding accountability from provincial authorities. One parent, Amy Black, representing a local advocacy group, challenged the minister to acknowledge the government’s role in the ongoing issues. “You’re swooping in and offering band-aid solutions on a problem that was created by this government in the first place,” she said, calling for a formal apology.

In response to concerns about the board’s financial status, Calandra noted that the NNDSB had been operating in a surplus. He explained that the need for provincial intervention only became apparent due to the complications surrounding the new school project. The authority to intervene was granted to the province with the passage of Bill 33 in November 2025, which expanded provincial oversight of education.

Building Trust Amid Challenges

The town hall also addressed various issues such as delayed student placements, safety in the half-demolished Parry Sound High School, and class sizes. Calandra acknowledged the challenges families have faced and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rectify past shortcomings in the education system.

New Director of Education Jay MacJanet shared his vision for rebuilding trust within the community. “I’ve been supported by the ministry in the transition to a legal role of director of education. The focus for me is not dwelling on the past; it’s going to the future,” he stated. MacJanet has already visited 23 out of the board’s 33 schools in a bid to understand the sentiments of educators and families.

He acknowledged that immediate trust cannot be expected but expressed hopes that his actions will gradually earn it. “It’s a tough situation for students to be put in the middle of, and they should never have been a part of that,” he said.

Calandra agreed with MacJanet’s perspective on the importance of restoring confidence in the education system, emphasizing that the province will take responsibility for ensuring equitable resources across all schools in Ontario. He concluded, “A school in Toronto shouldn’t have more resources than a school in Parry Sound. That stops now.”

As the Near North District School Board navigates these tumultuous times, both Calandra and MacJanet are focused on restoring stability and confidence in the education system for the families in the region.