Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra is facing increasing pressure regarding 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, "neither have the ability or the tools that they need to actually manage the 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 Doug Ford government signals a change, it happens quickly. For instance, the government swiftly removed speed cameras after public dissatisfaction. However, a decision regarding school trustees is not expected until the end of the year, according to Calandra. He claims to be consulting with stakeholders, but there is no public plan available for review. This delay raises questions about whether Premier Ford is hesitant to proceed with the elimination of trustees, especially in light of a recent poll from Abacus Data. The poll revealed that only 33 percent of respondents support the removal of trustees, with just 10 percent expressing strong support. In contrast, 36 percent oppose the idea, and 25 percent are unsure.

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

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 an additional hurdle as it has to increase class sizes to meet provincial standards, despite previously having classes that were slightly smaller than the provincial benchmark. Parents who typically voiced concerns to elected trustees now find that the board is managed by staff and a provincially appointed administrator. This shift means that the province is now directly accountable for educational issues that were once considered local matters.

Calandra has also faced scrutiny for his own expenses, particularly after the New Democratic Party criticized him for spending approximately $1,800 at the Ontario legislature dining room 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 reflected well on the minister.

The rationale for eliminating trustees hinges on claims of financial mismanagement, but this argument may not be as compelling as it initially 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 example, the TDSB's commitment to smaller class sizes resulted in additional costs of about $30 million last year for grades 4 to 8. Similarly, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board spends 25 percent more on special education than comparable boards, a choice that raises questions about whether it is a negative decision.

The Ford government often claims to be investing record amounts in public education, which is true. However, nearly two-thirds of the province's 72 school boards either expect to run a deficit this school year or anticipate breaking even at best. While Calandra acknowledges that some trustees may lack the necessary skills for their roles, appointing boards could come with significant political repercussions. The longer this issue remains unresolved, the more scrutiny the provincial government will face. Calandra must either implement changes swiftly or reconsider his approach.