Overview

We strive to maintain high standards of school board accountability and transparency in our public school system.

School boards are responsible for:

  • education programs
  • student achievement and well-being
  • managing finances and resources
  • maintaining and building schools
  • board governance and leadership
  • engaging parents and the community

The Minister of Education may direct an investigation of a school board if there are concerns of public interest, including whether a board, its trustees or director of education are appropriately carrying out their duties under the Education Act.

The minister can issue binding directions to a school board to address concerns.

If a board does not follow these directions or if a trustee, director of education or the board has taken actions that could affect a matter of public interest, the minister can make an order to vest control and charge over the administration of the board in the minister. This is commonly referred to as a supervision. 

This can happen when:

  • the board does not follow directions
  • an investigation or audit has taken place
  • the board has been given notice
  • if urgent action is needed

We are ensuring school boards use public funds responsibly and focus on student success.

Reviews, investigations and supervisions

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) governance review

After public concerns were raised about governance dysfunction and mismanagement of a new school in Parry Sound, the ministry appointed Rachel Osborne to conduct a governance and leadership review of the board.

The Minister of Education has issued binding directions to the NNDSB to rebuild public confidence and provide the accountable, transparent and effective governance that its communities deserve.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the final report, and the board’s failure to comply with all the Minister of Education’s binding directions within the time specified, an order was made to vest control and charge over the board in the Minister.

Read about the NNDSB review.

Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) financial investigation

Following controversy over an off-site retreat costing nearly $40,000 by the school board’s senior officials in August 2024, we appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to lead an investigation that reviewed the board’s finances and executive pay practices.

Based on the findings of this investigation, the investigator recommended control of the board be vested in the ministry. We appointed Paul Boniferro to supervise all financial and operational decisions of the TVDSB to help the board improve its financial position and ensure students are able to acquire the skills they need to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Learn more about the TVDSB financial investigation.

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) trustee expenses review

In response to an incident in July 2024, where trustees traveled to Italy to buy religious art, the Minister of Education appointed Aaron Shull to review the board's policies and procedures. This review examines trustee expenses and travel, procurement, fundraising and financial accountability.

Read about the BHNCDSB review.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) field trip policies review

After a September 2024 field trip where students attended a rally, the Minister of Education appointed Patrick Case to review the TDSB's field trip policies and practices. The review also covers how these policies are implemented.

Read about the TDSB review.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) financial investigation

Since 2021-2022, the school board has been reporting in-year deficits, and it is reporting another shortfall this year. At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the board had completely depleted its reserves. We appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to validate the school board’s current financial position, evaluate the board’s compliance with the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act (BPSECA) and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

The ministry appointed Robert Plamondon to oversee and manage the OCDSB’s financial administration following an investigation into their financial affairs.

Learn more about the OCDSB financial investigation.

Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) financial investigation

In August 2024, after the board forecasted a significant accumulated deficit, the ministry engaged Deloitte LLP to identify the reasons for their deteriorating financial position and recommend savings measures to help the board return to a balanced position. This work revealed that the board could have done more to avoid their deteriorated financial position. In May 2025, we appointed Deloitte LLP to validate the school board’s current financial position and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

The ministry appointed Frank Benedetto to oversee and manage the TCDSB’s financial administration following an investigation into their financial affairs.

Learn more about the TCDSB financial investigation.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) financial investigation

In December 2024, the Auditor General of Ontario issued an extensive report on the board’s school safety, financial management and capital planning. It echoed many of the serious concerns the Ministry of Education has voiced to the school board on numerous occasions over the past few years, including a letter issued to them last year outlining the board’s inability to meet its financial responsibilities under the Education Act. We appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to validate the school board’s current financial position, evaluate the board’s compliance with the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act (BPSECA) and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

The ministry appointed Rohit Gupta to oversee and manage the TDSB’s financial administration following an investigation into their financial affairs.

Learn more about the TDSB financial investigation.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) financial investigation

Due to concerns over the continued deterioration of the DPCDSB’s financial position and significant risk of not being able to meet its financial obligations by the end of the 2024-25 school year, we appointed Paul Cleaver to validate the school board’s current financial position and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

The ministry appointed Rick Byers to oversee and manage the DPCDSB’s financial administration following an investigation into their financial affairs.

Learn more about the DPCDSB financial investigation.

Contact us

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