A political storm is brewing in Northern Ontario as Parry Sound MPP Graydon Smith is demanding the provincial government take direct control of the Near North District School Board, calling the elected body "dysfunctional" amid ongoing crises affecting students and families.
Construction Delays Spark Student Unrest
The call for intervention comes after months of turmoil at Parry Sound High School, where construction delays have forced students into remote learning and sparked frustration throughout the community. Students were recently able to return to class on Monday after being displaced from their school building due to ongoing construction issues that have plagued the project timeline.
Earlier this month, frustrated students organized rallies at the shuttered high school, protesting the disruption to their education and social lives. The situation became so dire that trustees demanded an official probe into the Parry Sound school delays, while parents expressed serious concerns about safety protocols as contingency plans unfolded.
Ministry Report Paints Damning Picture
The school board's troubles extend far beyond construction delays. A recent report from the Ministry of Education delivered scathing criticism of the board's operations and governance. In response to the damning findings, the Near North District School Board has begun taking action to address the concerns raised by education officials.
The situation has attracted attention at the highest levels of provincial government. Minister of Education Paul Calandra has issued direct warnings to the school board about the potential for a provincial takeover if significant improvements aren't made promptly.
Bill 33 Adds Pressure for Reform
The timing of this crisis coincides with the provincial government's passage of Bill 33, controversial legislation that provides the education minister with enhanced powers to intervene in school board operations. The bill was fast-tracked through the legislative process, raising questions about its potential impact on the broader education system across Ontario.
Minister Calandra has publicly defended the need for Bill 33, citing the "chaos" at school boards like Near North as justification for stronger provincial oversight. The legislation represents a significant shift in the balance of power between locally elected school boards and the provincial government.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes remain on Parry Sound and the Near North District School Board, with students, parents, and education stakeholders awaiting decisive action to resolve the ongoing crisis in Northern Ontario's education system.
