Province seizes control of York Catholic school board

The provincial government has seized control of the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) and is keeping the Peel public school board under supervision.

Minister of Education Paul Calandra made the announcement in a written statement released March 5 that said the moves were “in response to serious concerns about infighting and long-term financial unsustainability that risk disrupting learning and undermining student outcomes.”

As part of its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, those actions will help the province restore sound financial management at those boards and ensure every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers, the Ministry of Education said in the statement.

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

On January 28, Calandra, the Markham-Stouffville MPP, gave the YCDSB two weeks to come up with ways to address financial concerns and leadership dysfunction. He had expressed concern that the board had “an alarming revolving door in leadership,” with seven directors in the past nine years. He also expressed concern about trustees’ lack of knowledge about their jobs and continued infighting.

The board of trustees and senior team held a special board meeting on February 10 to share their response to Calandra’s concerns. The board said it was “on track” to eliminate its deficit within the government’s timelines. It also conceded it had “turnover” in the director of education position but said Interim Director Jennifer Sarna offered “stable, experienced leadership.”

Carrie Kormos, director for Invest Ontario and the Canadian Gaming Association, has been appointed as supervisor at the YCDSB. She is described by the province as a “seasoned advisor” with more than 30 years of experience supporting executive teams and boards in Canada’s government, gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors.

While under supervision, all decisions that would normally be made by trustees, with the exception of denominational matters, will now be made by Kormos, the YCDSB says on its website. Eight school boards are now under provincial supervision due to what the ministry calls “mismanagement.”