Ontario Education Minister Demands Return of $7,000 in School Gear

Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has formally requested that Markus de Domenico, the chair of the Toronto Catholic School Board, return nearly $7,000 worth of equipment purchased with taxpayer funds. This demand follows a series of criticisms aimed at de Domenico regarding his expense claims, which have included items such as takeout meals and milkshakes, allegedly acquired during board-related meetings.

In a letter addressed to de Domenico on March 11, 2024, Calandra emphasized the need for the return of the purchased items, which include headphones, a sound bar, wireless speakers, AirPods, an external hard drive, a cellphone case, several chargers, a desk, and an Apple watch band. Calandra’s letter pointed out that de Domenico has publicly stated he has no office and that his responsibilities as a trustee have been limited to denominational issues since the appointment of a provincial supervisor.

Context of Provincial Oversight

The Ontario government has placed the Toronto Catholic School Board, alongside the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, Ottawa Public School Board, and Thames Valley Public School Board, under provincial supervision due to allegations of financial mismanagement. This oversight has resulted in a significant reduction of powers for local trustees, who have been required to relinquish their cellphones and have lost access to their emails and board offices. Despite this, Catholic trustees maintain control over religious matters.

De Domenico has expressed concerns that Calandra’s actions are politically motivated, claiming that he is being targeted due to his vocal opposition to the provincial takeovers. He argues that the financial deficits faced by the boards are a result of prolonged underfunding by the government, rather than mismanagement on the part of the trustees.

Calandra’s demand for the return of the school board equipment adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between the provincial government and local school boards. The situation reflects broader issues within Ontario’s educational funding system, raising questions about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

As the debate continues, both sides are likely to navigate a complex landscape of public perception and political accountability. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for governance in Ontario’s education system.