WATCH: Education Minister Liz Sandals says she reserves the right to appoint an investigator to take over the TDSB. Alan Carter reports.
TORONTO – The Ontario government is not ruling out appointing an investigator to oversee changes at the scandal-plagued Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Liz Sandals Sandals said in a statement released Thursday morning that she is still concerned about trustees at the board approving new hires, and a “high degree of control” the director of education Donna Quan, has over her own performance appraisal.
The statement goes on to say that “despite the high number of schools in a critical state of disrepair” the board has not given criteria for prioritizing “badly needed fixes.”
“I am not appointing an investigator at this time. However, in light of these concerns, and the board’s long history of struggling with these issues, I am not ruling out that it may be a necessary measure,” Sandals said in the statement.
TDSB officials were not immediately available to comment Thursday but did provide a statement by director Donna Quan.
“We thank the Minister for acknowledging the progress and collaboration of trustees and staff in responding to the directives. We welcome the Minister’s support on the items outlined and look forward to working with her team to best meet the needs of the students and communities of Toronto.”
The TDSB has been battling scandal in recent years including the director’s nearly $300,000 salary being kept secret, a growing repair bill, and a “culture of fear”, as pointed out in a January ministry-mandated review of the board.
More to come.
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