In anticipation of the passing of a provincial law at Queen’s Park, Ontario’s education minister has identified a school board in northern Ontario as a potential candidate for his enhanced authority under Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act. This bill would enable the education minister to appoint a supervisor to assume control of school boards, effectively sidelining elected school trustees. Education Minister Paul Calandra introduced the bill in response to what he characterized as financial mismanagement within school boards.
Specifically, the English public board serving the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts has been highlighted as a potential target by Calandra. He emphasized the urgency of his intervention, citing concerns over the Near North District School Board’s operational challenges and the need for proactive measures before situations deteriorate further.
Following a provincial review prompted by delays in the opening of a new school in Parry Sound, multiple instances of “division” and “dysfunction” were uncovered within the Near North board. In response, Calandra issued 15 directives to address these issues, emphasizing the necessity for the board to comply promptly and effectively.
Notably, one of the directives pertains to enhancing transparency regarding the status of the new $58 million JK-12 school in Parry Sound. Delays in the school’s completion have led to students resorting to online learning and temporary attendance at previous facilities, including a partially demolished former high school. Despite these challenges, the board has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for the delays or a projected opening date for the new school.
At a recent board meeting, Jay Aspin was elected as the new chair of the Near North board, reiterating the significance of adhering to the minister’s directives as a blueprint for revitalization. Aspin emphasized the need for collaboration with provincial authorities to facilitate progress and restore public trust in the board’s capabilities.
In an effort to demonstrate commitment to improvement, the board has already implemented one of the minister’s directives by restructuring meeting schedules to allow trustees more time for reviewing reports. As the board navigates these directives, Aspin affirmed his dedication to leading with transparency, courage, and cooperation to rebuild trust and showcase the board’s readiness to evolve.
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