‘The Ministry of Education’s review of the Board confirmed deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement that has eroded public confidence’
Vic Fedeli says the Near North School Board fell short of its responsibilities to students, parents, and the community, and as a result, the Province has taken control of it.
“The Ministry of Education’s review of the Board confirmed deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement that has eroded public confidence,” Fedeli said in a statement Monday morning.
“We are encouraged that the Minister of Education has acted on these findings and made the decision to place the Board under provincial supervision. This decisive action will help restore stability, accountability, and trust for students and parents.”
See related: Province seizes control of troubled Near North District School Board
See related: Near North Board under fire for ongoing mismanagement
On Monday, the Ministry of Education assumed control of the Near North District School Board using newly expanded oversight powers.
The drastic move comes after a ministry review confirmed “deep-rooted dysfunction and mismanagement that have eroded public confidence,” according to a Ministry release.
The Minister of Education is using newly broadened powers of oversight and authority enabled by last month’s Royal Assent of the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, to place NNDSB under supervision.
The Minister issued 15 binding directions to the school board to address the reviewer’s recommendations to strengthen effective governance at the NNDSB and rebuild public confidence.
“The board failed to comply with 10 directions within the timelines set by the Minister, which is why it was placed under supervision,” states the release.
The supervisor for NNDSB will be named in the near future, with the Minister providing supervision in the interim.
Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith issued a statement on November 25, calling for the Province to take over the Near North District School Board.
Last week, the Near North School Board Chair Jay Aspin told BayToday that he was optimistic the situation would be resolved without the Province having to step in.
Aspin, however, admitted that some of those Ministry requirements take time.
“We’re working on it because some of them, quite frankly, require ministry approval to go ahead. So we’re working hand in hand with the ministry. I’m always optimistic. I wouldn’t go back to the board if I were pessimistic, for sure,” Aspin told BayToday on Nov. 25.
Six school boards in Ontario are currently under supervision to address concerns related to growing deficits, depleting reserves, and mismanagement.
