Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, announced his intention to potentially eliminate the role of trustees in the school system, with a final decision expected in the new year. While addressing concerns at a school in Ottawa and unveiling plans for new school construction, Calandra expressed doubts about the necessity of trustees overseeing the $43-billion Ministry of Education budget in the province.
Calandra emphasized that trustees in Catholic and French education boards will retain their roles in denominational matters. However, for English public trustees, he indicated a leaning towards significant changes. Despite initial plans to present a governance proposal by the end of the year, Calandra cited the need for further examination of Charter and constitutional issues related to education rights.
The Education Minister clarified that any forthcoming changes would not involve school board closures or amalgamations, nor the introduction of charter schools. While acknowledging concerns raised by the NDP education critic about democratic decision-making, Calandra highlighted issues such as low election engagement and a high number of acclamations among trustees.
Data from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association revealed a notable percentage of acclaimed trustees in various boards, particularly in the French system. Calandra also mentioned the province’s takeover of six school boards due to mismanagement, indicating a reluctance to reinstate trustees in those boards. As an alternative, he mandated the establishment of Student and Family Support Offices across all boards to streamline parental concerns and facilitate quicker resolutions.
However, advocates for individuals with disabilities expressed concerns about the potential impact of trustee removal, particularly on children with special needs whose parents often rely on trustees to address their issues.