Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, is poised to utilize new legislative powers for school board oversight after the recent approval of Bill 33. This bill streamlines the process for the minister to take control of underperforming school boards. Calandra has singled out the Near North District School Board, following a report that labeled its operations as dysfunctional.
New Legislative Powers and Their Implications
Bill 33, which recently passed its final reading, allows Calandra to supervise school boards that are deemed mismanaged. It also mandates the presence of police officers in schools if local law enforcement offers such programs. Critics of the bill argue that it undermines democracy by diminishing the role of elected trustees.
- Bill 33 passed its final reading recently.
- Calandra is focusing on the Near North District School Board.
- Increased powers for oversight and police presence in schools are included.
Concerns about School Governance
A government review highlighted significant concerns regarding the Near North board. It noted a breakdown in the relationship between administration and trustees, along with leadership failures. Calandra indicated that failure to comply with directives issued to the board could result in his direct control.
“Students are learning in unsuitable conditions due to board decisions,” Calandra argued. “Allowing this to continue would be unacceptable.”
Criticism from Opposition and Stakeholders
Opposition parties, including the NDP, have voiced strong opposition to the new powers. NDP Leader Marit Stiles contends that the challenges faced by schools stem from poor governmental policies. She criticized Calandra and the Ford administration for contributing to the current state of disarray.
Similarly, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association stressed the importance of maintaining trustee roles to provide community input in education governance. Its President, Kathleen Woodcock, emphasized the necessity for any supervisory measures to come with a clear plan for eventual restoration of local governance.
Future of School Boards Under Review
Calandra has indicated he might consider the elimination of trustee roles altogether as part of future reforms. However, he assured that French and Catholic school boards would preserve their constitutional rights, enabling trustees to oversee issues relevant to their communities.
School Resource Officer Programs
The implementation of school resource officer programs has also been mandated. While some boards already have these programs in place, others have discontinued them due to discomfort reported by students, particularly among racialized communities. Andrea Vasquez Jimenez, an advocate for policing-free schools, condemned the move, arguing that increased policing does not equate to improved safety or academic success for students.
The ongoing debate surrounding Bill 33 underscores significant tension in Ontario’s education system, as stakeholders advocate for the preservation of community voices amidst governmental reforms.
