Minister cities Near North Board as example with passage of Bill 33
The Ford government’s controversial education legislation has passed third reading at Queen’s Park, after the government limited debate and eliminated the committee stage.
Bill 33 will make it easier for the education minister to appoint supervisors to take the place of elected trustees, something that’s already done at five school boards.
Education Minister Paul Calandra says the intent is to put ‘school boards back on track’ through more direct intervention.
He says there’s no greater example than ‘the fiasco that is the Near North District School Board’, as it relates to the new Parry Sound School.
A coalition of education unions has called the legislation a ‘hostile takeover’ of local school boards.
(L-R) Jay Aspin, chair and Bill Steer, vice chair of the NNDSB. (Photo supplied by the NNDSB)
Meantime, a former chair of the Near North District School Board is back at the helm.
Jay Aspin was elected chair this week.
He says he is “humbled” by having the responsibility of being Chair, and acknowledged the challenges ahead are unlike any they’ve faced before.
Aspin points to the 15 binding directions placed on the board by the Ministry of Education.
“They’re not suggestions. They are directions – firm and necessary,” he says. “A call to action to regain public trust and confidence.”
Aspin rejoined the board this summer, filling a vacancy.
Bill Steer was elected vice chair.
**With files from Norman Jack
Richard Coffin
Richard Coffin
https://www.mynorthbaynow.com/
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
