Ontario Government Demands Return of Equipment from School Board Chair

The Ontario government is demanding that Markus de Domenico, the chair of the Toronto Catholic School Board, return equipment valued at nearly $7,000. This request, made by Paul Calandra, the province’s Minister of Education, follows previous scrutiny over de Domenico’s use of taxpayer funds, including expenses for personal items like takeout meals and milkshakes during board meetings.

In a letter addressed to de Domenico on March 4, 2024, Calandra highlighted the need for the return of various items purchased with public money. The list includes headphones, a TV sound bar, wireless speakers, AirPods, an external hard drive, a cellphone case, screen protectors, chargers, a desk, and an Apple watch band. Calandra noted that de Domenico has publicly stated he has no official office and that his role as trustee is now limited to denominational matters since the appointment of a provincial supervisor.

The provincial government has placed several school boards, including the Toronto Catholic, Dufferin-Peel Catholic, Ottawa Public, and Thames Valley Public boards, under supervision due to allegations of financial mismanagement. Trustees argue that the financial deficits were largely caused by years of underfunding from the government.

De Domenico has previously criticized Calandra, alleging that the minister is unjustly targeting him for his vocal opposition to the provincial oversight of school boards. Under this supervision, trustees have had their powers diminished, facing restrictions that include the surrendering of cellphones and limited access to emails and board offices. Despite these constraints, Catholic trustees maintain authority over religious matters.

As the situation unfolds, it raises significant questions about accountability and governance within Ontario’s educational framework. The outcome of this request could have lasting implications for the relationship between the provincial government and its school boards.