Ontario Education Minister Takes Control of 4 School Boards Due to Financial Issues

Ontario’s education minister, Paul Calandra, has announced the takeover of four school boards, including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), due to financial mismanagement issues. The other boards affected are the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board (DPCDSB).

Calandra stated that the boards failed in their responsibility to parents and students by losing focus on ensuring student success. Supervisors will be assigned to each board to address alleged misspending, deficits, and depleting reserves.

The TDSB rejected 46% of proposed cost-savings and relies heavily on asset sales to balance its books. The TCDSB tripled its deficit compared to last year and is at risk of default. The OCDSB has depleted its reserves, and the DPCDSB is at risk of financial default by August 31, 2025.

Calandra has been firm on school board spending, launching investigations and taking action against misspending. Last month, he threatened to take over TDSB finances if spending wasn't controlled. The TDSB has not yet commented on the change.

The province had previously announced a record $30.3 billion in school funding for the next year, but there have been concerns raised by teachers' unions about the adequacy of the funding.

According to the source: CP24.