Ontario lifts TDSB’s capital spending freeze

TORONTO – The Ontario government has lifted the capital funding freeze for the Toronto District School Board, allowing it once again to propose future construction projects to the education ministry.

“They have made significant progress in developing a strategic approach to capital planning that is consistent with the Ministry of Education’s priorities,” said Minister of Education Liz Sandals in a statement released Thursday.

The province instituted the freeze on capital funding last year after building projects went over budget.

Throughout the year, a special assistance team worked alongside the TDSB to help them address the issue.

“While the TDSB has benefited from the advice of the special assistance team and recently approved a balanced operating and capital budget for 2013-14 and a three-year capital plan, the team’s report makes it clear that there is much more work to do,” said Sandals.

The ministry has made it clear that the board has not yet moved on the numerous cost-saving recommendations from the PricewaterhouseCoopers report that was completed last November.

The report points to a list of reasons why the TDSB is bleeding cash including lack of checks and balances in senior level leadership, maverick spending in procurement processes, and poor streamlining in facilities services.

When it comes to human resources, PwC indicated the board is losing a substantial amount of money from staff taking too many paid sick days.

“It is vital that the TDSB build on the good work they have done with the special assistance team and continue to seek further opportunities for improvement,” Sandals said.