Ontario Government Takes Control of Four School Boards Due to Financial Concerns

The Ontario government is taking control of four school boards including in Toronto and Ottawa due to concerns over deficits, depleting reserves, and financial mismanagement. Education Minister Paul Calandra announced the appointment of supervisors at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) following financial investigations.

Under supervision, appointed individuals will run the boards with trustees losing voting power and reduced honorariums. The supervisors will focus on finding savings, making changes for responsible management, and maximizing support for classroom education. The government aims to bring the boards to a balanced financial position and redirect funding from surplus boards not acting in students' best interests.

The province alleges growing deficits, depleting reserves, and instances of mismanagement as reasons for supervision. Critics argue about chronic underfunding in the education system and question the qualifications of appointed supervisors.

Financial investigations revealed concerns such as rejected cost savings, reliance on asset sales, deficits, and default risks in the boards. The government has also paused curriculum changes for a year to allow teachers to prepare for the future school year.

In a related move, a supervisor was appointed to oversee the Thames Valley District School Board in London last August. The board had faced criticism for spending on a retreat while having a budget deficit.