The Ford government in Ontario will not eliminate school boards this fall, despite ongoing criticism from various trustees and boards. Concerns have been raised about issues such as antisemitism in schools, costly trips taken by board members, and political agendas overshadowing educational priorities.

Earlier this year, Education Minister Paul Calandra announced that four school boards—Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board—would be placed under provincial supervision. This decision followed the earlier supervision of the Thames Valley District School Board.

The union representing elementary teachers in the Near North District School Board has expressed frustration with the board's trustees and senior staff, calling for a forensic audit of board spending.

Calandra has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current state of the school system, stating, "I am, frankly, as done as all parents are and teachers are with a school system that has turned into a political battle zone." He emphasized the need for schools to focus on education and provide necessary resources to parents and teachers.

This frustration was partly in response to the Toronto District School Board's plans to allocate significant funds for renaming schools based on political considerations, while claiming insufficient funds for classroom operations. Reports have highlighted various expenditures by school boards, including trips to Italy for art purchases and late-night food deliveries, which have drawn public ire.

Over the summer, Calandra suggested that the province might consider eliminating local school boards altogether, leading to speculation about a potential restructuring. Some reports indicated that the government could consolidate the system into four boards: English public, English Catholic, French public, and French Catholic. This would maintain the province's constitutional obligation for separate Catholic education while seeking efficiencies.

However, a senior advisor to the Ford government described the elimination of local school boards as "highly unlikely," citing concerns that such a move would provoke legal challenges and constitutional disputes. The advisor noted that the political cost of pursuing this path would outweigh the benefits.

Instead, the government is contemplating new legislation aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency for school boards. While the specifics of this legislation are still in development, the possibility of eliminating the trustee role remains on the table.

Opposition leaders have raised alarms about the implications of these changes. NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the government's approach, stating, "Doug Ford’s political games are putting the future of our children at risk." She accused Calandra of excluding parents and families from local school decisions that affect their communities.

As the situation evolves, the government is under pressure to ensure that school boards fulfill their responsibilities effectively and transparently.