Ontario takes control of eighth school board, citing mismanagement
Written by The Canadian Press on March 5, 2026
TORONTO — Ontario’s education minister has placed an eighth school board under supervision due to what he calls significant governance issues.
Paul Calandra put the York Catholic District School Board on notice in late January that he would place it under supervision if it did not “appropriately respond” to pressing concerns within two weeks.
He says today it is clear the board can’t resolve its challenges on its own and he has appointed a supervisor.
Calandra is also appointing a supervisor at Peel District School Board, which the minister had placed under provisional supervision earlier this year, but naming a supervisor indicates a longer-term provincial takeover.
Calandra has said the York Catholic board has depleted its reserves, refused to submit a “realistic financial recovery plan” and has had seven directors of education in nine years.
Critics have said that Calandra’s moves to take over school boards and sideline trustees erodes local democracy, and they say boards are in dire financial shape because provincial funding is not keeping up with increasing needs or inflation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press