Education minister scolds school boards for ‘extravagant expenses’

The heads of Ontario’s 72 school boards – including the Thames Valley and London District Catholic board – were reading the riot act about “inappropriate” spending on expensive trips, provincial officials confirm.

Article content

“I want to be clear: there is no room for unnecessary or extravagant expenses,” Education Minister Jill Dunlop said in a conference call Thursday, a transcript of which was provided to The London Free Press.

In her first meeting with boards since she was appointed in late August, Dunlop she said she would have “preferred to meet under better circumstances” with Ontario’s education directors and board chairs.

She told board leaders “every dollar” must go toward improving the student experience by funding classroom resources, teacher support and programs that improve academic outcomes.

The scolding comes after four Southwestern Ontario school boards – including two in the London area – came under fire for expenses that “raise legitimate and serious concerns, and demonstrate a serious lack of judgment,” Dunlop said.

Article content

Bill Tucker, interim director of the Thames Valley District school board, said the conference call was “a frank conversation” and “well received.”

“High expectations were communicated,” he said.

London District Catholic chair Gabe Pizzuti said Dunlop’s message “was both direct and clear and straightforward with expectations – no one left that meeting yesterday without knowing what the expectations were.

“All school boards must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, prioritizing student achievement and strengthening classroom support,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see trustees and education leaders be on the same call and lead by example using good judgment to ensure excellent resources are managed properly.”

Article content

Dunlop said boards need to use good judgment and “champion fiscal responsibility.

“We know the sector is facing increasing financial pressures. It’s important that you are mindful of every dollar,” she said.

Dunlop also asked the boards to “please be mindful of the fact that the entire province — parents, taxpayers, the media — is watching closely.”

The ministry will monitor school board discretionary expenses and include it as part of the semi-annual disclosure of board financials brought forward through legislation in Bill 98 last spring, she said.

SCHOOL BOARDS UNDER FIRE

• The Thames Valley District school board was reprimanded in September after The London Free Press revealed the board spent $38,000 on a Toronto retreat for 18 senior staff members from Aug. 19 to 21 at the hotel inside the Toronto Blue Jays stadium. Rooms range from $374 to $1,199 per night, hotel staff say. The board is grappling with a $7.6-million budget deficit and had cut dozens of teaching positions and funding for school trips. education director Mark Fisher Besides going on a paid leave, several other senior staff members exited. The scandal led to Dunlop announcing a sweeping audit of the board that has 158 schools spread across the region.
• The London District Catholic school board also garnered criticism after spending $16,000 on a one-night, two-day August meeting for 26 senior staffers in St. Catharines, according to documents obtained by The London Free Press. The gathering was held at the Stone Mill Inn in August.
• CBC London reported that the Lambton Kent District school board spent more than $32,000 to send three staff members to an education conference in Hawaii where hotel room rates were as high as $1,113 per night. The trio belonged to the school board’s Indigenous education team.
• Brantford Expositor uncovered that the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic school board spent more than $50,000 on an art-buying trip to Italy. The expenses include a dinner bill that totaled $1,600 Canadian and $100,000 in religious statues. It was later announced the trustees would repay expenses incurred by the board. Ontario’s Ministry of Education has launched a governance review of the board.

[email protected]

@HeatheratLFP

Article content