Ontario Takes Over London School Board, Orders Probes into Four Others Over Financial Misconduct
Ontario’s Education Minister Paul Calandra has announced a major crackdown on school board spending, taking direct control of the Thames Valley District School Board in London and launching financial investigations into three others. A fifth board has been ordered to repay public funds used on a controversial overseas trip.
The province’s intervention follows revelations of significant financial mismanagement and extravagant spending by multiple boards. Calandra said the measures are part of a broader push for accountability and to ensure public funds are directed toward supporting students and teachers.
“Some school boards treat hard-earned tax dollars like their own, spending them on luxury hotels, fine dining, and first-class travel,” Calandra said. “This shows just how out of touch some board executives have become with the real needs of Ontarians.”
$190K Trip to Italy for Art Triggers Reimbursement Order
A governance review of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board found that four trustees spent $190,000 in public money on a trip to Italy to purchase artwork for schools. The trip included luxury accommodations, limousine rides, and a $1,600 gourmet meal.
In response, Calandra has ordered the board to repay the entire cost of the trip, including $100,000 spent on artwork. The board has yet to comment.
London Board Taken Over After $40K Staff Retreat
The Thames Valley District School Board in London has been placed under supervision following a $40,000 staff retreat in Toronto while facing a $7.6 million deficit. The retreat included accommodations at the luxury hotel attached to the Rogers Centre.
An audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed a pattern of financial mismanagement and persistent deficits that led to service cuts for students.
Investigations Launched at Toronto and Ottawa Boards
Financial probes are now underway at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board, and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. All three are under scrutiny for chronic budget deficits and questionable spending practices.
Calandra warned that the province could assume control of these boards as well, depending on the outcome of the investigations.
The TDSB acknowledged the province’s concerns and expressed its willingness to cooperate. It also cited structural funding issues and rising costs as key challenges, noting that large urban boards face particular financial pressures.
