Ontario takes control of London school board, launches probes at 3 others
CBC
Ontario has taken control of one school board over financial mismanagement, launched financial probes of three other boards and ordered a fifth board to repay costs for a trip to Italy to buy art.
New Education Minister Paul Calandra says he is increasing accountability and transparency measures to address "failures" at several boards.
He says boards must use public funds to directly benefit students and provide resources needed by teachers and educators.
Calandra has ordered the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board to repay the cost of the board trip to Italy, as well as the $100,000 spent on art.
School board officials said in November 2024 they'd pay back the $50,000 they spent during the art-buying trip, including money spent on deluxe hotel rooms, a limo ride and $1,600 gourmet dinner.
The province has appointed a supervisor to the Thames Valley District School Board, in London, after it conducted a review in the wake of a staff retreat to Toronto that cost about $40,000 and included a stay at the hotel connected to the Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays play.
School board leadership revealed the price tag of sending 18 staffers to the retreat in September 2024, prompting sharp criticism from education unions and the public.
It happened at the same time the board was facing a $7.6 million budget deficit and teachers were dealing with shortages of classroom supplies.
The province is also launching investigations at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) over ongoing financial deficits and spending concerns.
This week, the TDSB told parents in a memo it has launched its annual budget process.
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