Ontario’s largest elementary teachers’ union is accusing the Ford government of undermining local democracy as the province expands its use of appointed supervisors to take over control of school boards across Ontario.
In a statement released on Monday, the president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, David Mastin, said the government’s actions represent “egregious government overreach.” He calls the takeovers “a troubling centralization of power, and a direct threat to local democracy in Ontario’s public education system.”
Paul Calandra: Ontario Minister of Education and MPP for Markham–Stouffville. (Credit: paulcalandra.com)
The comments come as Education Minister Paul Calandra moves to place additional boards under provincial supervision. This pushes elected trustees aside and transfers decision-making authority to government-appointed supervisors.
Mastin said there is “growing concern that these takeovers are part of a broader plan to seize control of school board finances and real estate across the province.” He adds that the approach “treats public education as a profit-making enterprise rather than a vital public service meant to serve every child.”
The province has already appointed supervisors to several major boards, including those in Toronto and Ottawa. The government cites financial mismanagement, deficits and governance concerns as reasons for doing so.
Last week, the Peel District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board was taken over by these supervisors, with the government citing the same concerns.
The Thames Valley District School Board is one of the boards placed under supervision, removing the authority of its elected trustees.
Mastin said that trustees play a very important role in public education. He describes them as “a critical link between communities and publicly funded schools,” who provide local accountability and represent the needs of students and families.
He said appointing supervisors instead of elected trustees removes local decision-making from communities. He says it shifts control to a provincial government that he argues has consistently failed to support public education.
The union is calling on parents and community members to oppose the takeovers, warning they could have long-term consequences for Ontario’s education system.
“Parents and communities must join us and act now to prevent lasting damage to our high-quality public education system,” Mastin said.
The Ministry of Education has said supervision is necessary to restore accountability and ensure boards remain focused on student success. The province has not responded directly to ETFO’s latest statement as of Tuesday.
