Amid Provincial Takeover, New Websites Provide Direct Contact to School Board Officials
As students in Toronto head back to school, many families find themselves facing a challenge – the absence of their elected trustees due to a recent provincial takeover of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). This move by the Ontario government was prompted by allegations of financial mismanagement within the boards.
In light of these changes, Shawn Allen, a candidate in the upcoming Scarborough–Rouge Park City Council byelection, has taken matters into his own hands. He has launched two websites, TheTDSB.com and TheTCDSB.com, to offer a direct line of communication to senior board officials, ensuring parents and students have a way to voice their concerns.
Critics, including educators and Liberal MPP John Fraser, have criticized the province’s decision, labeling it a political power play that undermines local democracy and leaves families feeling disconnected from the decision-making process.
Allen emphasizes that his goal is not to assign blame but to provide a solution for those in need. By offering webforms on the websites that connect directly to the Directors of Education for each board, he aims to bridge the gap left by the absence of elected trustees.
While acknowledging that the system is not flawless, Allen believes that having some means of addressing issues is better than having none at all. For parents and students navigating the start of the school year without their usual channels of communication, these websites offer a vital link to the education system.
Keyphrase: Toronto school boards