Ontario School Board Takeovers Distract from Chronic Underfunding, Say Teachers and Students
Amid discussions about potential changes to the governance of Ontario school boards, educators and student groups are expressing concerns over the government’s focus on board takeovers. These groups argue that the provincial government’s actions serve as a distraction from significant underfunding in public education.
Background on School Board Takeovers
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) held a news conference at Queen’s Park recently. They highlighted that the province has placed seven school boards under provincial supervision within the last year, a move they believe is misguided.
Concerns About Underfunding
OSSTF President Martha Hradowy criticized the government for its approach, stating that supervision does not address the core issues of funding and staffing. “Supervision doesn’t solve staffing shortages or reduce class sizes,” Hradowy noted, emphasizing the negative impact on students and educators.
ETFO President David Mastin pointed out the government’s underfunding of public education, estimating a shortfall of $6.3 billion since 2018, according to a 2025 report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration with the provincial response to budgetary challenges faced by schools.
Government’s Justification for Interventions
The current Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has initiated the supervision of school boards, citing financial mismanagement. Calandra has also indicated plans to potentially eliminate the role of school board trustees by 2026, which has raised additional concerns among educators and students about accountability and representation.
Legislative Changes and Their Impact
In November, the Ontario government passed Bill 33, which grants the education minister increased powers to appoint supervisors for school boards. While the government argues that these measures aim to improve resource allocation and enhance access to education, critics contend that these changes remove democratic oversight.
- New powers allow for faster provincial intervention.
- Critics argue it undermines democratic representation in schools.
Voices from the Community
Students and parents expressed their discontent regarding the erosion of their representation. Grade 12 student Ahnaaf Hassan, serving as a trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), noted the lack of communication between students and provincial supervisors. He emphasized that critical concerns about school issues are being ignored.
As school boards adapt to these new frameworks, many stakeholders remain resistant, arguing that the decision-making processes should include input from the community rather than being solely dictated by provincial authorities.
Call for Action
Educators and students are urging the government to reconsider its approach. They are advocating for the restoration of elected board governance and increased investment in public education. “End these takeovers and invest adequately in public education,” stated Mastin, reinforcing the belief that the focus should remain on addressing funding crises rather than governance issues.
Ongoing discussions around these topics are crucial, as the outcome will significantly impact the future of public education in Ontario.
