The provincial government introduced legislation with sweeping changes to the education system yesterday.
Renfrew County District School Board chair Leo Boland said in a written statement they’ll have to take a closer look at how the legislation will affect the role of trustees if passed.
Under the Putting Student Achievement First Act, the province proposes to cap the number of elected trustees at a maximum of 12 per board.
They also propose to create two new roles within boards: a chief executive officer, who would have business qualifications and oversee the budget, and a chief education officer, who would be appointed by the CEO and hold pedagogical qualifications.
Budget matters would be referred to the Education Minister when trustees cannot reach an agreement and the termination of the CEO would require minister approval.
While they look into the finer details of the legislation, Boland said the board remains focused on student achievement and wellbeing.
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association President Kathleen Woodcock said in a statement the association is concerned the proposed measures would remove core responsibilities from elected trustees.
She said elected trustees are directly responsible to the communities they serve, and the proposed changes point to increased centralization at Queen’s Park.
