Province taking control of Near North District School Board
The Ontario government is taking control of the Near North District School Board.
It’s being done after a ministry review confirmed deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement that Education Minister Paul Calandra says have eroded public confidence.
“I will not stand by while a board’s incompetence directly impacts student achievement,” says Calandra. “This decisive action should serve as a warning to any board that is failing in its responsibility to put students first. We are putting school boards on notice that I now have the authority to quickly assume control where there is clear mismanagement and ensure accountability on behalf of parents and teachers.”
Calandra says the Near North Board failed to comply with ten of the 15 binding directions he issued after the review, which relates to delays with the new Parry Sound school.
He also says he’ll be providing supervision of the board until a supervisor is named.
“I had just assumed the Chair two weeks ago,” says Jay Aspin. “As a board we had positioned to stabilize but despite the noble efforts of current trustees and administration, the board was in too much trouble over the past terms causing the Minister to make his call. It is my sincere hope that the Minister’s move will right the ship quickly to gain the confidence of our students and parents in particular as well as our system – that is the prime goal for all of us.”
Six school boards in Ontario are currently under supervision to address concerns related to growing deficits, depleting reserves and mismanagement.
The minister’s newly broadened powers of oversight and authority were enabled when legislation received Royal Assent last month.
Richard Coffinhttps://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.
