School boards back trustees after education minister sows doubt about their future

GUELPH – Local school boards are underscoring the value of trustees amid comments from the province's education minister about cutting their roles.

Minister Paul Calandra told CBC on Aug. 20 that he'll get rid of trustees if it improves how school boards are run.

If eliminating the positions improves education, he said, "then I'm gonna do it."

Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic school board officials say trustees improve education, accountability, transparency and responsible spending.

The boards did not make education directors Peter Sovran and Mike Glazier or board chairs Ralf Mesenbrink and Marino Gazzola available for interviews.

Wellington Catholic board officials said trustees represent families and "ensure student success is prioritized."

Sovran and Mesenbrink said in a joint statement they're "proud of the strong governance practices in place" at the Upper Grand.

The minister's press secretary Emma Testani doubled down on his remarks in statement to the Advertiser.

"Calandra has been clear: The current school board governance structure is based on an outdated system that needs to be modernized."

Testani did not provide specifics, but said "all options, including changes to governance and the role of trustees, are on the table."