Education Minister Restricts Media Access for School Supervisors

Ontario’s education minister announced that supervisors appointed by the province, who are taking over from removed school board trustees, won’t be allowed to talk to the media. He wants them to concentrate on fixing issues within struggling school boards.

Paul Calandra, during a new school funding announcement on Tuesday in London, mentioned that speaking with reporters isn’t part of the supervisors’ responsibilities.

“The role of the supervisor is to help put the boards get back on track.. to ensure that the school boards are focused on student achievement,” he said. “Supervisors are not media personalities, they are there are to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.”

Calandra made these remarks at the construction site of New Kilworth Catholic Elementary School. The $21 million facility located on Crestview Drive in Kilworth is expected to open next year, accommodating 424 students and featuring an 88-space childcare center.

The province is investing $285 million in the London area for seven new schools and expansions at two existing ones. This includes $100 million earmarked for a new Catholic high school in southwest London that will serve 2,000 students.

Additionally, Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas will be replaced with a project costing just over $43 million.

School board reforms continue

Beginning last spring, the province started taking control of certain school boards due to rising deficits, questionable spending practices, and a call for better overall governance.

Trustees at Thames Valley District School Board along with seven other boards across Ontario were replaced by provincially appointed supervisors.

When asked about when trustees might return on Tuesday, Calandra didn’t provide a specific timeline.

“I don’t see across any of the supervised boards where boards are ready to be put back into the hands of trustees,” said Calandra. “When that time comes they will return, but not before. If it takes me one year or two years or 10 years, I’ll take the time that’s needed to put these boards back on track.”

The new Kilworth Catholic Elementary School in Kilworth is slated to open next year with space for 424 students. (Andrew Lupton/)

This month earlier, Calandra unveiled significant changes affecting English school systems throughout Ontario; these include limiting elected trustees per board and creating roles aimed at financial oversight and enhancing student achievement.

The new legislation also creates two additional oversight positions for English-language school boards, changing the director of education’s title to chief executive officer.

This person would oversee financial and operational aspects and must possess business qualifications as stated in a news release.

Regarding these new management roles at school boards while speaking in Kilworth on Tuesday, Calandra expressed confidence it would enhance oversight.

“It’s a very good model for ensuring that the board is run effectively and efficiently while at the same time focused on student achievement,” he said.

Source link