Ontario Premier Expresses Frustration Over School Board Spending on Trustee Trips
Ontario’s premier expresses frustration over reports of “unacceptable” spending by provincial school boards, leading to recent audits by the education minister.
“They frustrate me,” Premier Doug Ford stated during an unrelated Oct. 25 news conference in Oshawa when questioned about the school board model.
Ford cited the incident involving the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) sending trustees to Italy for art commissions for schools.
“They chose to go on a luxurious trip to Italy, spending $45,000 of taxpayers’ money,” Ford remarked. “They plan to purchase $100,000 worth of artwork in Italy for their schools. It’s just baffling to me.”
Education Minister Jill Dunlop has initiated an audit in response, with trustees pledging to reimburse the expenses.
The premier also raised concerns about the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) sending trustees on a retreat at the Rogers Centre stadium hotel in August. The province is auditing this trip that involved 18 senior staff members and cost over $38,000 according to a statement released by the school board on Sept. 12.
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“I’ve instructed our education minister to conduct audits on these school boards,” Ford stated. “They are quick to demand more funding, and yet, while we allocate funds to them, they engage in revelry and behave irresponsibly.”
The chair of BHNCDSB issued a statement on Oct. 22 apologizing for the Italy trip.
“We deeply regret the incidents that occurred. We want to emphasize that this was done with good intentions and for the enhancement of our Catholic values, but mistakes were made,” board chair Rick Petrella wrote in the statement.
“I personally assure you that such lapses will not happen again. We acknowledge our shortcomings and take full responsibility for them, committing to rectifying the situation.”
Petrella mentioned that trustees are taking steps to address the trip’s expenses, including personal reimbursements. Donors may also cover the art costs, aiming for a “total net zero cost” for taxpayers.
Petrella also highlighted the board’s revision of the trustee expense policy and cooperation with the provincial audit.
Meanwhile, TVDSB provided a breakdown of retreat expenses, with total costs of $5,468.09 for travel, $19,778.02 for accommodations, and $13,198.81 for meeting rooms and meals.
TVDSB Chair Beth Mai stated that the board will review and amend its expense policy and procedures.
