Ontario Education Minister Signals Possible Takeover of School Board

Ontario’s Education Minister Paul Calandra has indicated that a decision regarding a potential provincial takeover of the Near North District School Board is imminent. This announcement follows mounting pressure from local political leaders and community members expressing their dissatisfaction with the board’s performance. Both Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, and Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, have called for a supervisor to be appointed to oversee the board’s operations.

During a press conference at Queen’s Park, Calandra acknowledged the frustration voiced by parents and community members from North Bay and Parry Sound. “I’ll make an announcement very soon,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. His comments come in light of recent legislative changes that grant him extensive powers to intervene in district school boards, particularly under the controversial Bill 33.

Review Highlights Board’s Serious Shortcomings

The minister’s potential intervention is prompted by a critical review conducted by the Ministry of Education. This 33-page report revealed significant dysfunction within the board, including poor communication and a lack of leadership from Craig Myles, the board’s Director of Education. The review criticized the board’s management, particularly concerning the delayed construction and opening of a new $58 million JK-Grade 12 school in Parry Sound.

The report painted a picture of a board struggling to manage crises effectively and failing to maintain transparent communication with parents regarding school readiness for the upcoming school year. “Focus on when you have to focus on or we’ll step in full stop,” Calandra warned, underscoring the province’s commitment to ensuring that schools operate in the best interests of students and teachers.

In response to the board’s performance, the Ministry issued 15 binding directives to the Near North board, complete with specific deadlines. One directive mandated a community meeting within ten days, which the board initially scheduled but later canceled to conduct its own reorganizational meeting, further complicating compliance efforts.

Community Outcry and Political Pressure

Despite the recent election of a new board chair, Jay Aspin, who replaced Ashley St. Pierre, Calandra remains skeptical about the board’s ability to make necessary changes. Aspin has stated that the board is dedicated to following the minister’s directives. Nevertheless, Calandra expressed doubts about whether these efforts would be sufficient to avert a takeover. “It’s close to Christmas. So, who knows, maybe some form of a miracle is needed. But I don’t see it,” he remarked.

The ongoing turmoil has prompted the Parry Sound Town Council to pass a motion formally requesting that Calandra allow the town to either establish its own school board for more localized representation or join an existing board in the Simcoe or Muskoka regions. As the situation evolves, representatives from the school board are set to meet with town council members next Thursday to discuss updates on the construction progress of the troubled super school.

The outcome of Calandra’s announcement, expected soon, will be pivotal in determining the future governance of the Near North District School Board and its ability to address the pressing concerns of the community.