Ford Government Takes Control of Northern Ontario School Board

URGENT UPDATE: The Ontario government has just announced it is taking control of the Near North District School Board due to severe dysfunction impacting student achievement. Education Minister Paul Calandra made this decisive move on October 30, 2023, after the board reportedly failed to comply with crucial directives aimed at resolving its governance issues.

Calandra stated, “I will not stand by while a board’s incompetence directly impacts student achievement,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that school boards prioritize students. He highlighted that under the recently enacted Supporting Children and Students Act, he can step in where clear mismanagement is evident.

This intervention follows a damning report by reviewer Rachel Osborne, who identified a “deficit of leadership” and a breakdown in relations between the board’s administration and its trustees. Osborne’s findings indicated that without intervention, restoring public trust in the board was unlikely. She recommended immediate government action, which ultimately prompted Calandra’s announcement.

The Ontario Ministry of Education reported that the board did not meet compliance for 10 out of 15 directives, leading to this urgent intervention. Calandra will personally oversee the board’s operations while a dedicated supervisor is appointed.

The minister’s directives include a new professional development plan for board members and hiring external experts to conduct performance reviews for the director of education. These measures are designed to restore credibility and functionality within the school board.

This marks the sixth school board under provincial supervision since the new law took effect. Other major districts, including those in Ottawa, Toronto, and Peel, are also experiencing similar government oversight.

Parents, students, and educators are urged to stay informed as developments unfold. The government’s commitment to education reform signals a firm stand against mismanagement in schools, aiming for a swift resolution to restore trust and accountability within the Near North District School Board.

Next steps include the appointment of a supervisor to ensure compliance with the directives and improve governance. The move underscores the Ontario government’s priority to safeguard student learning environments and ensure effective leadership in schools.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.