Ontario takes unusual step to deal with tensions at Toronto school board

Education Minister Liz Sandals, left, arrives at a press conference
at Queens Park with Margaret Wilson.

The Ontario government is taking the unusual step of hiring a consultant to probe governance issues at the Toronto District School Board amid growing concerns over tensions between trustees and the board’s top-ranking staffer.

Education Minister Liz Sandals announced on Tuesday that she has appointed education consultant Margaret Wilson to conduct an independent review of the school board, and provide advice by year-end on how to potentially change its governance structure.

Ms. Wilson has vast experience in the education sector. A former classroom teacher, she was also the registrar for the Ontario College of Teachers and the secretary-treasurer and chief executive officer for the Ontario Teachers’ Federation.

“The ongoing concerns at the TDSB are putting public confidence at risk – not just in Toronto but across the province,” Ms. Sandals said in a statement. “As minister, I have no choice but to act.”  (more...)

Ontario takes unusual step to deal with tensions at Toronto school board

How we got here:

School-board politics, the gateway drug

And @TrusteeSam takes a bow:

If I contributed, even the smallest part, in bringing this about, then I have done my job: http://t.co/uOS7nH9q7k Education is broken. #TDSB
— Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) November 25, 2014

Howard Goodman & Elizabeth Moyer aren't victims. They've had over a decade to blow whistles. But, as soon as they got in trouble..hm? #TDSB
— Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) November 25, 2014

FTR Howard Goodman's incidents, where he "allegedly" confined & harassed Director Quan were over MY motion to cut #TDSB's #OPSBA membership.
— Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) November 26, 2014