Trustee Critiques School Board’s United Way Donation Policy Change

Trustee Marianne Larsen mentioned that the agency depends on payroll deductions from school board staff to support social services.

Dec 23, 2025 • Last updated Dec 23, 2025 •

The Thames Valley District school board building in London. (Mike Hensen/The )

A trustee from London is criticizing the Thames Valley District school board for changing how employees can contribute to United Way, expressing concerns that this will lead to a significant decline in donations.

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<p“Trustee Marianne Larsen stated that the agency relies on payroll deductions from school board employees to help fund essential social services.”

In September, the board-now overseen by provincially appointed supervisor Paul Boniferro-announced that “payroll deductions will no longer be available for the United Way.” A note sent to staff from superintendent Paul Sydor outlined this decision.

“We know this is a change from how we’ve done things in the past, and I want to be upfront about why,” Sydor said in the message.

“With staffing demands and fewer resources behind the scenes, we simply don’t have the capacity to continue processing payroll deductions.”

The Thames Valley website states that it contributes approximately $230,000 each year to United Way through various fundraising efforts.

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The board has encouraged employees to make direct donations via the United Way website.

“Thames Valley District school board remains committed to supporting our community partners and stands behind the message that was sent to staff in September regarding the many ways they can give to the United Way,” education director Bill Tucker wrote in an email to The Free Press.

However, Larsen worries this change has caused a noticeable drop in contributions from Thames Valley staff towards United Way Elgin Middlesex. The Free Press couldn’t reach its president Kelly Ziegner for confirmation of donation figures.

Larsen described United Way as “a lifeline for community agencies supporting families in need.” She questioned why payroll deductions were discontinued.

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Larsen emphasized that “Donations to United Way from (Thames Valley) employees have no impact on the board’s budget, but they have a major positive impact on our local communities.”

Kelly Gilson serves as executive director of United Way Oxford-which also receives funding linked with Thames Valley. She noted that workplace giving is essential.

“We have been blessed to have so many workplace partners that believe in the work we do and the impact we have,” Gilson stated. “We always say it’s the easiest way to give. It’s a little bit (that) comes off your paycheque.”

“There will definitely be a financial loss and reduced employee giving for sure.”

Gilson highlighted it’s “been a very challenging campaign year” and pointed out several factors including “the economy, high cost of living, workplace changes and more.”

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She specifically mentioned challenges like Cami idling at GM’s auto plant in Ingersoll which previously employed 1,100 workers. “At this time we’re seeing increased needs for programs and services across our community.”

London-based Thames Valley was taken over by provincial authorities after revelations surfaced about a $38,000 retreat for senior administrators back in August 2024.

Following provincial intervention in April , Larsen along with her fellow trustees lost all authority along with access to their work-issued phones , emails , and pay.

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