The Ontario education minister has intervened in the management of a seventh school board to prevent teacher layoffs and address financial concerns. Paul Calandra announced that he has placed the Peel District School Board under supervision and is giving the York Catholic District School Board a two-week ultimatum to avoid a similar fate.
The Peel board, located west of Toronto, was on the verge of laying off 60 teachers, impacting about 1,400 students. Calandra expressed his concern about the disruption this would cause for students, parents, and teachers alike.
The Peel board now has a short window to address Calandra’s concerns and potentially avoid further intervention. However, if improvements are not made, a supervisor will be appointed to oversee the board’s operations.
Calandra highlighted the financial challenges faced by these boards, including deficits and leadership instability. Critics have raised concerns about the impact of centralizing control on local democracy and the financial health of school boards.
The minister has indicated a broader plan for governance changes in the education sector, which may involve reducing the role of trustees. While trustees in denominational boards will retain their positions, changes are expected in the English public system.