York Catholic School Board Faces Provincial Takeover Amid Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: The York Catholic District School Board is on the brink of a provincial takeover as the Ford government intensifies its crackdown on financially struggling educational institutions. This drastic move follows a troubling report revealing that several Ontario school boards are facing significant financial challenges.

Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has already intervened in five major school boards, including the Toronto Public and Ottawa-Carleton District School Boards, citing financial mismanagement and deficits as the driving reasons behind his actions. As of now, the York Catholic District School Board remains under scrutiny, with reports indicating it is the highest risk among the remaining boards.

A recently obtained list shows eight Ontario boards labeled as “high” risk, with Calandra taking control of only five thus far. The York board’s financial situation has deteriorated sharply, leading to a significant review of its multi-year financial recovery plan submitted to the province in January 2023. The board was able to get initial approval, but by June 2023, circumstances worsened, prompting a new submission for review.

Calandra’s office indicated that failure to approve this latest plan could lead to trustees being sidelined and a supervisor being appointed. The situation has raised alarms among parents and stakeholders, as the board’s struggles include declining enrollment, inadequate funding for special education, and rising operational costs.

In a statement, the board acknowledged these financial hurdles, stating, “The Board of Trustees and Senior Team are dedicated to the sound financial management of the money entrusted to us by the public.” However, with the province’s intervention looming, their future control hangs in the balance.

NDP education critic Chandra Pasma weighed in, arguing that simply taking over school boards does not address the root causes of the deficits. “The minister can order an investigation into every board in the province if he wants, but it’s going to keep finding the same thing,” she asserted. “This is a mismatch between the funding and the cost. Not an issue of mismanagement.”

Officials from Calandra’s office confirmed that the potential takeover is part of a broader strategy to restore accountability within Ontario’s education system. A spokesperson stated, “We are putting all trustees on notice: focus on your mandate, or step aside.”

The situation remains fluid, with the York Catholic District School Board’s fate now resting in the hands of the province. As developments unfold, parents and community members are urged to stay informed about the potential impacts on local education and governance.

This urgent matter highlights the ongoing crisis in Ontario’s educational funding and management, prompting calls for immediate action and transparency from provincial authorities. Share this developing story as it impacts the future of education in Ontario.