Not satisfied with the progress of solving its problems, the Ontario government has stepped in and taken control over the Peel District School Board (PDSB).

Education Minister Paul Calandra made the announcement today (March 5), that a supervisor has been appointed to take over decision-making at the board, which effectively removes the power from elected trustees.

The PDSB has 262 schools serving over 148,000 students in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. It is one of the largest school systems in the country.

Calandra said the province will also assume control over the York Catholic District School Board.

“After careful review, it is clear that both Peel and York Catholic are facing serious challenges that they cannot resolve on their own,” said Calandra.“I have appointed supervisors to restore sound management, strengthen oversight and ensure every decision is focused on protecting student learning and success.”

He went on to say the move comes in response to “serious concerns” about infighting and long-term financial unsustainability that risk disrupting learning and undermining student outcomes.

In January, Calandra placed the PDSB under provincial supervision on a provisional basis for what he said was to prevent a mid‑year staffing change that could have resulted in uncertainty for parents, students and educators. At the time, he hoped that the problems he had with the board could be resolved, but today’s move shows that hasn’t been the case.

Moving forward, the Ontario government said it wants to ensure students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

“These actions will help the province restore sound financial management at these boards and ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Education.

Heather Watt has been appointed as supervisor at the PDSB. She is a management consultant with over 20 years of experience in public and private sector leadership.

The move also means that both local school boards are under the control of the provincial government.

In June of last year, Calandra also placed the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board under supervisor control because of what he termed as mismanaged financial control.

 


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