Catholic School Board Considers Naming Province’s First Ombudsman

The Toronto Catholic District School Board could become the first Ontario school board to have an ombudsman, if trustees vote in favour of a proposed motion Thursday night.


Such a move would go a long way to repair the board’s previous poor image in public accountability, says trustee Jo-Ann Davis who has championed the motion. TCDSB was plagued by charges of conflict of interests and spending scandals that prompted Queen’s Park to seize control of its finances from June 2008 to January 2011.

“It would be quite a turnaround for us to be a school board under supervision to one that’s leading the province in accountability,” Ms. Davis said. She said she has heard of several parents who want access to an independent voice to appeal issues and help cut through the bureaucratic red tape.

The motion calls for an ombudsman appointed and paid by the board, with a potential background in education and law, on a two-year full-time contract. The ombudsman would report annually to trustees and investigate any disputes and claims affecting students, parents and staff.

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