Ontario Government Seizes Control of Near North School Board

BREAKING: The Ontario government has officially taken control of the Near North District School Board following a critical review that uncovered “deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement.” This urgent move, announced by Education Minister Paul Calandra, comes after significant public outcry from parents and students in Parry Sound over the delayed opening of a new $58 million JK-12 school.

Just weeks before the school year began, parents were informed that the new facility would not be ready, forcing students to endure two weeks of online learning before being sent back to partially demolished old schools. In response to these failures, Calandra has mandated the board to implement 15 actions aimed at restoring governance and rebuilding trust among the community.

“I will not stand by while a board’s incompetence directly impacts student achievement,” Calandra stated in a media release. He emphasized that this decisive action is a warning to any board failing to prioritize students. “We are putting school boards on notice that I now have the authority to quickly assume control where there is clear mismanagement and ensure accountability on behalf of parents and teachers.”

The province’s intervention follows the passage of Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, which grants the education minister expanded powers to appoint a supervisor to oversee troubled school boards. Calandra hinted at this takeover last month, citing the ongoing issues within the Near North board as a prime example of mismanagement.

Out of the 15 binding directives issued by the province, the Near North board failed to comply with 10 within the specified timelines, prompting the government’s intervention. Currently, six school boards across Ontario are under similar supervision, highlighting a troubling trend in educational governance.

As the situation develops, the Ontario government is poised to monitor the board closely, ensuring that the necessary changes are made to prioritize student needs. This move raises concerns among parents and students regarding the future of educational governance in the region.

The Near North District School Board has yet to respond to requests for comment from CBC Sudbury. The urgency surrounding this takeover reflects the broader implications for educational standards and governance across the province, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective management in schools.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.