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4d ago

Ontario Intervenes in School Boards Over Financial Mismanagement

Education Minister Paul Calandra appoints supervisor, orders repayments, and launches financial probes to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds.

Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing, attends a news conference at Queen's Park Legislature in Toronto on Thursday December 12, 2024.
Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing speaks during a press conference regarding housing development in the Greater Toronto Area at Toronto City Hall, in Toronto on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Overview

  • The Ontario government has appointed a provincial supervisor to oversee the Thames Valley District School Board, citing financial mismanagement and structural deficits.
  • The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board has been ordered to repay $145,000 spent on an Italy trip and art purchases, and to submit a governance and financial recovery plan within 30 days.
  • Financial investigations have been launched into the Ottawa-Carleton, Toronto Catholic, and Toronto District School Boards over deficits and spending concerns, with conclusions expected by May 30, 2025.
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers' review of Thames Valley finances revealed breaches of salary guidelines and signs of broader financial mismanagement, prompting the supervisory action.
  • Education Minister Paul Calandra emphasized that these measures aim to increase transparency, ensure accountability, and prioritize the use of public funds to benefit students and educators.