Ontario's Education Minister Paul Calandra is facing increasing scrutiny over his proposal to eliminate elected school trustee positions. For months, Calandra has criticized trustees for their internal conflicts, expenses, and budget management failures. He stated last month that trustees lack the necessary skills and tools to effectively manage the education system, suggesting that the province should take over these responsibilities. While he has ruled out the elimination of school boards, he is considering the removal of trustee positions, saying, "the trustees’ position is what I’m 100 per cent looking at — the elimination of the trustee position."

Typically, when the Ontario government signals a change, it happens swiftly. For instance, the recent removal of speed cameras occurred within weeks. However, Calandra has indicated that a decision regarding trustees will not be made until the end of the year. He claims to be consulting with various stakeholders, but there is currently no public plan available for review.

A recent poll from Abacus Data may be influencing Premier Doug Ford's hesitation on this issue. The poll revealed that only 33 percent of respondents support the elimination of trustees, with just 10 percent expressing strong support. In contrast, 36 percent oppose the idea, and 25 percent are unsure. This lack of overwhelming support raises questions about the political viability of the proposal.

The situation surrounding trustees is becoming increasingly problematic for the Ford government. Despite Calandra's assertive stance, he has yet to present a concrete plan or take decisive action. This stagnation has allowed opposition voices to grow louder. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, which has historically opposed the Ford government, is running advertisements promoting the benefits of smaller class sizes, a key issue in their contract negotiations. The union accuses the government of "playing politics, taking over school boards and silencing local voices" instead of addressing pressing educational issues.

At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), parental frustration is rising. Each year, the board adjusts classes and teacher assignments based on enrollment needs. This year, the TDSB faces additional challenges as it has been forced to increase class sizes to meet provincial standards, despite previously having classes that were slightly smaller than the benchmark. Parents who would typically voice their concerns to elected trustees now find that the board is managed by staff and a provincially appointed administrator.

Historically, changes in class sizes and teacher assignments would have been viewed as local matters for parents to discuss with their elected representatives. However, with the province now overseeing five school boards, it can no longer distance itself from the controversies surrounding education.

Calandra himself faced criticism when the New Democratic Party (NDP) highlighted his $1,800 dining expenses at the Ontario legislature while he condemned a Toronto Catholic District School Board trustee for a $15 milkshake expense. Although the comparison may not be entirely fair, it has not helped his public image.

The rationale for eliminating trustees hinges on claims of financial mismanagement, but this argument may not be as compelling as it once seemed. While Calandra pointed to chronic deficits and instances of questionable spending, such as trustees taking a trip to Italy, it is important to note that some school boards made spending decisions they believed were in the best interest of their communities. For instance, the TDSB's commitment to smaller class sizes resulted in higher costs, amounting to approximately $30 million last year for grades 4 to 8. Similarly, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board allocates 25 percent more funding for special education compared to similar boards.

As the debate continues, the future of elected school trustees in Ontario remains uncertain, with both political and public sentiment playing crucial roles in the decision-making process.