Ontario government’s proposed changes to school boards is tough talk that won’t put student achievement first, according to the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from Ajax.
“The Act is called ‘Putting Student Achievement First’, but if they’re hiring Chief Education Officers with no background in public education to run school boards, how will they know what the impact will be in the classroom,” said Rob Cerjanec, who is also the Ontario Liberal Critic for Economic Development, Tourism, Culture and Sport.
“It’s also unclear whether these new executives will be appointed by school boards or the ministry. Despite what this government is saying, I am concerned CEOs will look at the bottom line instead of student achievement. It’s what we’re already seeing with the appointed supervisors in school boards across the province,” the MPP pointed out.
The bill calls for reduction in the number of trustees as well as appointment of CEOs of school boards, among other things.
Multiple School Boards In Durham
There are multiple school boards operating in various parts of Durham Region, which will come under the purview of the bill if it is passed.
“This tired and out of touch conservative government continues to distract from their underfunding and weakening of public education. This announcement will do nothing to support students with special needs, address violence in the classroom, lower class sizes, provide mental health supports, and give students what they need to succeed. They can talk about student achievement but moving chess pieces around won’t make up for this government’s failures in public education,” said MPP Cerjanec.
For all the minister’s tough talk about school board trustees, they aren’t changing much,” he added.