Province silent on school board, regional chair takeover

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Questions are being posed as to whether the Ontario government plans to make changes that will directly affect voters in Durham Region in the next municipal election.

The Cosmos has heard from several sources that the province might be considering taking over supervision of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham District Catholic School Board (DDCSB), as it has done with other school boards in the province, but local school trustees say they have heard nothing.

Catholic school trustee for Uxbridge, Richard Damianopoulos, said he has heard nothing about any takeover plans, adding he does not expect Durham "to be on the province's radar." He also said that he plans to run for the office of trustee again "unless something changes."

Carolyn Morton, DDSB trustee for Uxbridge, says she also has heard nothing, adding that Education Minister Paul Calandra would have to make an announcement soon if he plans a takeover.

However, in a statement to the Uxbridge Cosmos, the education ministry said: "The Minister has made clear that all school boards should remain on notice, and we will not hesitate to take action if boards are not focused on ensuring resources support students and teachers in the classroom. While no final decision has been made regarding trustees, it is clear that the current system must change."

‍ ‍Last week in the Cosmos, Uxbridge Township clerk Debbie Leroux, who runs municipal elections in the Township of Uxbridge, said the Ontario government has not yet made clear whether or not it will appoint the next regional chair and/or take over the running of the school boards.

When asked about the issue of a possible provincially appointed regional chair in Durham, regional chair John Henry pointed out that the region held a referendum years ago in which electors said they wanted an elected chair. He added that no one at the provincial level has contacted him regarding a move to appoint the next chair.