Northern Ontario School Board Faces Urgent Directive from Education Minister to Resolve Dysfunction
Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has taken decisive action against the Near North District School Board amid reports of significant dysfunction. A recent review highlighted issues such as leadership deficits and a fractured relationship between board trustees and administration.
Education Minister’s Directive
Calandra’s intervention follows growing concerns from parents and media reports about the operational challenges faced by the school board. His directive outlines a series of binding actions aimed at restoring governance and rebuilding community trust.
Key Findings from the Review
- Deficit of leadership from the director of education.
- Impaired relationships between the administration and trustees.
- Many trustees lack relevant experience and knowledge of good governance.
- Previous directors involved in discussions about their own performance ratings.
Reviewer Rachel Osborne stated the current governance structure could not restore public confidence. She emphasized the “divided and dysfunctional nature” of the board highlighted the need for intervention.
Immediate Actions Required
Calandra has set strict deadlines for compliance, typically ranging from five to 15 business days. The board must implement a professional development plan for its members and seek assistance from an external expert to evaluate the performance of its director of education.
Director’s Operational Changes
Craig Myles, the director of education, is now required to operate from the board’s main office rather than a distant school facility. His salary increased significantly from $171,000 in 2020 to $303,800 by January 2024., raising additional concerns regarding fiscal responsibility.
Trustee Resignations and Future Governance
Three trustees resigned within the year, and there are hopes that new members could help alleviate dysfunction. The review noted that the majority of the existing trustees lacked prior board experience, with some acting in ways that contradicted board interests.
Concerns Over School Openings
The report also addressed delays in opening a new school in Parry Sound, a project that has angered parents and students. The board originally planned to merge two elementary schools and Parry Sound High School into a new JK-12 facility. Initially promised to open in September 2025, parents learned just weeks before the school year that this plan would not be realized.
Students at Parry Sound High were informed only a week before classes began that they would start the school year virtually due to unsafe conditions in a partially demolished building, though they could return to in-person education by September 15.
Conclusion
Calandra’s decisive measures aim to rectify deficiencies within the Near North District School Board. The focus remains on ensuring effective governance to prioritize student needs and restore trust within the educational community.
