‘Instead of deflecting, the ministry must own up to funding shortages. Trustees have attempted to navigate these challenges..’ said local trustee Jodi Lloyd
Words like “alienating,” “angering,” “deflection,” “distraction,” “sad,” and “slippery slope” were used by trustees from the Simcoe County District School Board this week to describe a bill that would give the education minister more control over school boards in Ontario.
During the board’s meeting on Oct. 22, Collingwood/Wasaga Beach trustee Mike Foley proposed discussing Bill 33: The Supporting Children and Students Act, which had its first reading at Queen’s Park back in May.
Foley expressed concern about how these changes might affect the community and emphasized that eliminating the trustee role could become a real possibility.
“We need to take a stand. We need to let people know what we do and how important it is,” Foley stated. “Without us, there will be chaos in education.”
The Supporting Children and Students Act was introduced by Education Minister Paul Calandra on May 29. This legislation aims to make it easier for the minister to gain control over school boards while broadening his authority across schools in Ontario.
If passed, school boards would be required to implement School Resource Officer (SRO) programs if offered by local police services. In Simcoe County, both public and Catholic boards decided to pause police-led programming in schools as of 2022, except when invited.
Orillia/Severn/Ramara trustee Jodi Lloyd highlighted all the feedback already given to the ministry. Various education unions, advocacy groups, several Ontario school boards, and associations have publicly criticized many proposed changes outlined in this bill.
“I’m concerned about one person under Bill 33 making decisions without consulting with cabinet or the Premier while trying to standardize everything across the province. Each region is unique, and every school has its own culture,” Lloyd remarked.
Dedicating many years as an SCDSB trustee, Lloyd shared multiple examples of successful initiatives led by trustees over time, including enhancements to guidance programs, transition plans for Grade 8-9 students and Grade 12-post-secondary students, French immersion programs, advanced work placements for courses, trades programming for elementary schools, outdoor education initiatives, music programs for elementary students, and advancements in special education.
“We must focus on what role trustees have played. Mistakes have happened throughout the province; however I don’t think those mistakes are solely due to trustees,” she noted. “This system has faced chronic underfunding for an extended period.”
“Rather than deflecting blame,” she continued,”the ministry needs to accept responsibility for funding shortages. Trustees have tried their best within these constraints.”
Other trustees also expressed strong viewpoints.
“I don’t believe anything should be imposed on school boards. A local voice is very crucial,” said Adjala-Tosorontio/Clearview/CFB Borden/Essa trustee Brandy Rafeek regarding proposed SRO changes from the bill during Wednesday’s discussion.
An Oct. 9 protest at the County of Simcoe administration building next door to SCDSB’s education center marked another stop in a Policing-Free Schools campaign tour across Ontario amid discussions about Bill 33.
Local advocates at that protest pointed out SCDSB’s decision indicating that they had “listened to community feedback” when they adjusted their relationship with police services; they claimed that Bill 33 posed a “direct threat” to this decision-making process.
This past Wednesday superintendent of education Scott Young mentioned that relations between local police forces had improved recently since all Simcoe County school boards signed a new police protocol last year.
“We continue having a strong partnership with our police partners,” Young stated. “Bill 33 hasn’t altered this relationship.”
“Our model works exceptionally well,” he added.
Rafeek brought attention to instances where some Ontario school boards were taken over by ministry-appointed supervisors effectively sidelining elected trustees from those areas’ governance structures. Under Bill 33’s provisions, the minister would hold similar power over any Ontario school board
“Having one unelected individual represent a whole board feels dangerous-it’s a slippery slope,” Rafeek explained.”One person’s experience shouldn’t dictate decisions for an entire board-it just isn’t ethical.”
“When one person makes choices bias inevitably comes into play,” she added
“The board isn’t perfect-we mess up sometimes-but it’s each trustee’s job ensuring we handle issues when things go wrong.”
“Eliminating student representation isn’t helpful”, she asserted.”Often it’s us who highlight student concerns among staff members; our communities deserve assurance knowing someone looks out for them.”
Toronto/Tiny/Tay/Penetanguishene trustee Robin Talbot voiced feelings of resentment towards what he referred to as an attack against democracy itself.
“Trustees embody democracy; getting rid of them strips away democratic processes. I feel deeply alienated & upset about this move”, Talbot lamented.
A New Tecumseth representative Sarah Beitz expressed worries too:
“It’s vital having safe spaces where communities can question existing systems. There’re systemic problems needing addressing.”
“Although we lack formal power we still wield influence,” Beitz stated. “If only ministry-approved supervisors earn more than all our current trustees combined-that raises questions!” said Beitz arguing. In fact according reporting from ,, supervisor overseeing Thames Valley District School Board earns $366k/year. At SCDSB total number assigned includes fifteen (12 regular +3 students); each receives base salary $14K+ expenses yearly resulting overall budget allocation totaling $213K plus additional costs. “So clearly isn’t just financial motives driving events happening here-I don’t know why else is unfolding but feels unsettling!” concluded Beitz pointing distraction away core responsibilities”.
PBarrie vice-chair Lynn Strachan reiterated many suggested amendments stemmed already contained within existing Education Acts asserting,”they’ve been accomplished previously through other means-this feels wasteful!”
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I wish relevant parties would prioritize conversations centered around helping students achieve success instead focusing exclusively legislative measures” argued Strachan further stating confidence level increased concerning new proposals since practices largely mirrored current ones being executed successfully”.
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Barrie chair Dana Powell expressed apprehensions specifically related special educational support saying removing trustess jeopardizes progress made thus far saying would indicate disappointing turn henceforth troubling indeed!A second third readings will follow before enacting legislation upon final approval!..
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