Ontario school boards face fewer trustee candidates under provincial supervision

The number of candidates running for school trustee in several Ontario school boards is expected to decrease due to ongoing provincial supervision. Education Minister Paul Calandra placed eight boards under provincial control, citing financial mismanagement, and has provided no specific timeline for returning authority to elected trustees.

As the upcoming municipal elections occur during this indefinite supervision period, the role of elected trustees in boards such as Toronto’s public and Catholic boards, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and the Peel District School Board is effectively suspended. Some current trustees, such as Donna Dickson of Ottawa’s public board, have opted to run for city council instead, stating that their ability to assist parents is currently restricted by provincial oversight.

Recent legislation has also reduced the general responsibilities of trustees across the province, including cutting budget oversight at English-language boards and limiting roles in central bargaining.