A third-party review into a $145,000 Italy trip by Ontario school trustees has revealed deeper structural problems within the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB). The week-long trip in July 2024 saw trustees purchase $100,000 worth of artwork for a new high school under construction in Brantford, sparking intense scrutiny. The costs of the trip have since increased by $63,000 due to legal fees, bringing the total expense to $190,000. The review, authored by lawyer Aaron Shull, found that the governance framework and practices of the school board were the core cause of the challenges facing the board, with the Italy trip being symptomatic of these issues.
The review described a “tale of two boards” within BHNCDSB, with day-to-day operations being run efficiently and positively by an education director, while the governance role of the board of trustees exhibited notable dysfunction. Some trustees overstepped their roles by delving into operational matters and bypassing established processes, leading to governance issues. Shull’s report made 18 recommendations for the school board to address these governance challenges, including submitting an implementation report by May 23, repaying trustee travel expenses, and recouping funds spent on art purchased in Italy. The board must also ensure compliance with regulations and legislation, as well as develop a learning plan for trustees’ professional development on governance responsibilities.
In October, the chair of the school board mentioned that several donors were interested in covering the $100,000 bill for the artwork commissioned during the Italy trip. However, following reports on the trip expenses, the board apologized and expressed a commitment to “making things right.” Education Minister Paul Calandra has warned of further action against BHNCDSB if they fail to comply with the recommendations outlined in the review. Calandra emphasized the importance of accountability and suggested that additional measures may be taken if the board does not meet the specified deadline.
The review highlighted issues with governance practices within BHNCDSB, emphasizing the need for improved oversight, decision-making processes, and compliance with regulations. The findings of the review have raised concerns about the culture within the school board and the conduct of trustees in their roles. The government is monitoring the situation closely and has set deadlines for the board to address the recommended changes and ensure accountability. Failure to adhere to these directives may result in further consequences for BHNCDSB, underscoring the importance of transparency and effective governance in education institutions.
The repercussions of the Italy trip and the subsequent review findings have brought attention to broader systemic issues within the BHNCDSB and potentially other school boards. The incidents have underscored the need for enhanced oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The government is closely monitoring the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the review and expects the school board to take prompt and decisive action to address the identified governance challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to restore public trust in the education system and ensure that resources are used responsibly to benefit students and their communities.
