‘Instead of shifting blame, the ministry should acknowledge funding shortages. Trustees have been trying to navigate these challenges..’ said local trustee Jodi Lloyd
“Alienating,” “angering,” “deflection,” “distraction,” “sad,” and “slippery slope” were just some of the words used by Simcoe County District School Board trustees to describe a bill that would give the education minister greater power over school boards in Ontario this week.
During the Simcoe County District School Board’s Oct. 22 meeting, Collingwood/Wasaga Beach trustee Mike Foley raised the need for a discussion on Bill 33: The Supporting Children and Students Act, which had its first reading at Queen’s Park in May.
Foley expressed his concern about how these proposed changes could affect the community’s connection to the school board, highlighting that removing the trustee role was a real concern.
“We need to take a stand. We need to let people know what we do and how important it is,” said Foley. “Without us, there will be chaos in education.”
On May 29, Education Minister Paul Calandra introduced Bill 33: The Supporting Children and Students Act, which aims to make it easier for the minister to assume control of school boards while expanding their authority over schools throughout Ontario.
If this legislation passes, school boards will be required to adopt School Resource Officer (SRO) programs if local police services provide them. In Simcoe County, both public and Catholic boards chose to suspend police-led programming in schools last year unless invited.
Orillia/Severn/Ramara trustee Jodi Lloyd mentioned all the feedback that has already been given to the ministry. Education unions, advocacy groups, several Ontario school boards, and associations have criticized many of the proposed changes publicly.
“I’m worried about any one person under Bill 33 making decisions without consulting cabinet or the Premier. It seems focused on standardizing everything across Ontario. Each region is unique and every school has its own culture,” said Lloyd.
Lloyd reflected on her many years as an SCDSB trustee and pointed out various initiatives that have been led by trustees over time-like enhancements in guidance programs, transition programs for Grade 8-9 students moving into high school and Grade 12 students heading into post-secondary education, French immersion options, advanced work placement courses, trades programs in elementary schools, outdoor education initiatives, music programs for elementary students, and advancements in special education.
“We need to emphasize what role trustees play. While mistakes have happened across Ontario, I don’t think all those issues can be placed solely on trustees,” said Lloyd. “This system has faced chronic underfunding for a long time.”
“Instead of deflecting responsibility, the ministry needs to face up to funding shortages. Trustees have tried hard to navigate these challenges looking for solutions,” she added.
Other trustees also voiced strong opinions.
“I don’t think anything should be imposed on school boards. Local voices are extremely important,” said Adjala-Tosorontio/Clearview/CFB Borden/Essa trustee Brandy Rafeek regarding SRO changes suggested by this bill on Wednesday.
An Oct. 9 protest held at the County of Simcoe administration building next door to SCDSB’s education center marked another stop in a Policing-Free Schools campaign tour making its way across Ontario amid concerns over Bill 33.
Local advocates at that protest highlighted SCDSB’s decision as an example where they had “listened to the community” when deciding how they wanted their relationship with police structured-asserting that Bill 33 posed a “direct threat” to that decision-making process.
This past Wednesday, superintendent of education Scott Young noted improvements between local police forces and school boards since they signed a new police protocol together last year.
“We continue having an excellent partnership with our police partners,” stated Young. “Bill 33 hasn’t altered this relationship.”
“Our model is highly successful,” he added.
Rafeek pointed out instances where some Ontario school boards were taken over by supervisors appointed by the ministry-effectively sidelining those elected as trustees within those boards. Under Bill 33’s proposals, ministers would gain similar powers at any Ontario school board if deemed necessary.
“Having one un-elected individual represent a whole board feels very concerning and like a slippery slope,” Rafeek commented. “One person’s lived experience shouldn’t dictate decisions for an entire board-that doesn’t feel ethical.”
“If just one person makes choices like that bias will surely come into play,” she continued.
Rafeek acknowledged that while no board is perfect and errors occur from time-to-time; it remains crucial for trustees not only address problems but also ensure there’s someone accountable overseeing matters when things go awry.
“The best way isn’t eliminating trustees’ roles,” she insisted.
“Often it’s us who bring student concerns directly forward.” Our communities deserve such safety nets.”
Midland/Tiny/Tay/Penetanguishene trustee Robin Talbot expressed feeling“resentful” towards what he calls an attack against democratic principles.‘
‘‘Trustees embody democracy itself.’‘Removing them risks erasing democratic processes altogether,’ he declared passionately.Talbot sounded frustrated stating:‘I feel extremely alienated upon hearing discussions surrounding recent legislative attempts.’ New Tecumseth Trustee Sarah Beitz shared her worries too. ‘It’s vital communities have safe spaces where they can question systemic issues,’ Beitz remarked adding ‘we serve as voices even if our actual power feels limited.’ ‘Believing strongly in democracy is essential,’ she added determinedly. Beitz further claimed: ‘One supervisor appointed by ministries earns more than all SCDSB’s elected members combined.’ At SCDSB there are currently fifteen total members made up of twelve official representatives plus three students receiving annual compensation set around $14K each before taxes along with additional expenses accounted separately totaling around $213K earmarked specifically towards compensating directors according budget projections earlier within current fiscal plans detailing upcoming budgets spanning until ’25-’26. Reportedly per media sourced via -the supervisor assigned managing Thames Valley District School Board named Paul Boniferro receives upwards towards $366K annually.’ “So clearly money isn’t everything here; I’m uncertain what drives such policies forward-it leaves me unsettled overall.” Beitz concluded noting ‘This diverts attention away from core responsibilities we hold collectively.’
Barrie Trustee Vice Chair Lynn Strachan emphasized existing provisions already cover many proposed adjustments cited throughout latest legislative reviews emphasizing nothing revolutionary happening within current framework since analogous measures exist presently facilitating similar undertakings effectively meeting requirements associated therein without delay necessary implementations occurring swiftly.” ‘They’ve undertaken similar actions previously under different circumstances successfully so we’re wasting valuable efforts discussing unnecessary changes!’ exclaimed Strachan advocating instead focusing energies toward achieving educational goals prioritizing student achievement outcomes! “I personally find less alarm surrounding potential ramifications stemming from proposed alterations since much groundwork has already been established!” Chair Dana Powell shared apprehensions specifically relating impacts seen particularly amongst special needs populations indicating significant disruptions should legislators proceed ahead stripping away established supports delivered through governance structures designed ensuring representation accountability safeguard interests vulnerable individuals facing unique challenges requiring tailored resources requisite enhancing efficacy thereby fostering better outcomes leading eventual success rates achieved across diverse demographics served consistently over extended periods ensuring sustainable progress continues unhindered regardless circumstances encountered despite evolving landscape present continuing addressing new emerging trends demands arising constantly impacting educators parents alike daily navigating complexities inherent modern-day schooling paradigms facing unprecedented obstacles requiring collaborative effort dedication resilience adaptation growing evermore critical continuously providing equal opportunities access success everyone involved moving forward! Lastly discussed motion asking Powell draft correspondence aimed directed toward Ministry outlining collective sentiments expressed concerning apprehensions surrounding newly introduced legislation namely dubbed ‘Bill Thirty-Three’.
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“The best way isn’t eliminating trustees’ roles,” she insisted.
“Often it’s us who bring student concerns directly forward.” Our communities deserve such safety nets.”
Midland/Tiny/Tay/Penetanguishene trustee Robin Talbot expressed feeling“resentful” towards what he calls an attack against democratic principles.‘
‘‘Trustees embody democracy itself.’‘Removing them risks erasing democratic processes altogether,’ he declared passionately.Talbot sounded frustrated stating:‘I feel extremely alienated upon hearing discussions surrounding recent legislative attempts.’ New Tecumseth Trustee Sarah Beitz shared her worries too. ‘It’s vital communities have safe spaces where they can question systemic issues,’ Beitz remarked adding ‘we serve as voices even if our actual power feels limited.’ ‘Believing strongly in democracy is essential,’ she added determinedly. Beitz further claimed: ‘One supervisor appointed by ministries earns more than all SCDSB’s elected members combined.’ At SCDSB there are currently fifteen total members made up of twelve official representatives plus three students receiving annual compensation set around $14K each before taxes along with additional expenses accounted separately totaling around $213K earmarked specifically towards compensating directors according budget projections earlier within current fiscal plans detailing upcoming budgets spanning until ’25-’26. Reportedly per media sourced via -the supervisor assigned managing Thames Valley District School Board named Paul Boniferro receives upwards towards $366K annually.’ “So clearly money isn’t everything here; I’m uncertain what drives such policies forward-it leaves me unsettled overall.” Beitz concluded noting ‘This diverts attention away from core responsibilities we hold collectively.’
Barrie Trustee Vice Chair Lynn Strachan emphasized existing provisions already cover many proposed adjustments cited throughout latest legislative reviews emphasizing nothing revolutionary happening within current framework since analogous measures exist presently facilitating similar undertakings effectively meeting requirements associated therein without delay necessary implementations occurring swiftly.” ‘They’ve undertaken similar actions previously under different circumstances successfully so we’re wasting valuable efforts discussing unnecessary changes!’ exclaimed Strachan advocating instead focusing energies toward achieving educational goals prioritizing student achievement outcomes! “I personally find less alarm surrounding potential ramifications stemming from proposed alterations since much groundwork has already been established!” Chair Dana Powell shared apprehensions specifically relating impacts seen particularly amongst special needs populations indicating significant disruptions should legislators proceed ahead stripping away established supports delivered through governance structures designed ensuring representation accountability safeguard interests vulnerable individuals facing unique challenges requiring tailored resources requisite enhancing efficacy thereby fostering better outcomes leading eventual success rates achieved across diverse demographics served consistently over extended periods ensuring sustainable progress continues unhindered regardless circumstances encountered despite evolving landscape present continuing addressing new emerging trends demands arising constantly impacting educators parents alike daily navigating complexities inherent modern-day schooling paradigms facing unprecedented obstacles requiring collaborative effort dedication resilience adaptation growing evermore critical continuously providing equal opportunities access success everyone involved moving forward! Lastly discussed motion asking Powell draft correspondence aimed directed toward Ministry outlining collective sentiments expressed concerning apprehensions surrounding newly introduced legislation namely dubbed ‘Bill Thirty-Three’.
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