Windsor-Essex Trustees React to Passage of Bill 33, Raise Concerns

Windsor-Essex school board trustees expressed their concerns following the Ontario government’s passage of Bill 33, also known as The Supporting Children and Students Act, on the morning of March 15, 2024. The newly approved legislation grants the Minister of Education expansive powers, leading to fears among trustees regarding the future of local governance in public education.

Trustee Malek Mekawi criticized the bill, stating, “It doesn’t just clear the path for supervision; I think it annihilates it.” He emphasized that the language of the bill is so broadly defined that it allows the minister to intervene in school board operations based on vague criteria of public interest. Previously, the Ministry of Education could only intervene under specific circumstances, such as when a school board failed to balance its budget over consecutive years or did not comply with the Education Act provisions.

Currently, five school boards in Ontario are under provincial supervision, but none are located in the Windsor-Essex or Chatham-Kent regions. CTV News has reached out to the Ministry of Education to clarify whether any local boards are being considered for oversight.

The debate surrounding the implications of Bill 33 was palpable during a recent meeting of the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB). Chair Gale Hatfield, who has over 34 years of experience as a trustee, expressed her apprehension about the potential consequences for public education in the region. “I’m afraid for the future of public education,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to preserving school boards.

During the meeting, trustees addressed the pressing issue of vacancies on the board, which currently stands at two. After a spirited discussion, they unanimously agreed to publicly post the positions, interview qualified candidates, and appoint new trustees, rather than selecting from the runners-up of the 2022 election. Trustee Cathy Cooke urged her colleagues to collaborate effectively, saying, “Can we not just work together tonight and do it the right way and move on, please?”

Concerns Echoed at Catholic Board Meeting

The discussions about Bill 33 continued at the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board meeting, where trustee Lisa Soulliere was re-elected as Chair. She described the trustees as “endangered stewards of publicly funded education in the province of Ontario,” reflecting the uncertainty surrounding their roles in light of the new legislation. Soulliere highlighted the need to focus on student success despite the challenges posed by the current political climate.

Trustees across both boards expressed a collective frustration about their diminishing power but remained committed to their primary mission: ensuring student achievement. “We must be focused on the whole of our system and its success,” Soulliere asserted, emphasizing the strength of their current educational framework.

Trustee Hatfield reaffirmed her confidence in the board, stating, “I have faith in this board. I have faith in our administrators. I have faith in our teachers in the classrooms, and we will never leave our students behind.” She reassured stakeholders that the well-being of students and staff would remain a priority regardless of the government’s actions.

As the situation develops, the trustees of Windsor-Essex remain vigilant, committed to navigating the challenges posed by Bill 33 while prioritizing the education and support of their students. The outcome of their efforts and the implications of the bill will undoubtedly shape the landscape of public education in Ontario in the months to come.