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Province investigating problems at Catholic School Board

Aaron Shull released a report on Wednesday April 23rd, that shed light on the deeper issues within the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. The report included findings of facts, conclusions and recommendations relating to his review of the allegations of governance, leadership and fiscal accountability issues. 


By Chris Whelan

Editor


A recent scrutiny into the operations of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) has revealed a well-run establishment that was destabilized by trustees delving excessively into operational matters.

Former Ontario education minister Jill Dunlop initiated a governance review of the board in response to public backlash following a publicly funded trip to Italy by four trustees. This trip, costing $50,000, garnered attention for the purchase of over $80,000 in artwork for new schools and over $60,000 spent on legal advice post-trip.

The subsequent report by reviewer Aaron Shull, released on Wednesday April 23rd, shed light on the deeper issues within the BHNCDSB, with the Italy trip serving as a symbolic representation of underlying structural problems.

Shull’s report highlighted a dichotomy within the board - while day-to-day operations were commended for their efficiency under director of education Mike McDonald, there was noticeable dysfunction in the governance function of the trustees. Some trustees bypassed established processes, delving into operational matters and making decisions without full board consensus, creating what Shull described as a "tale of two boards."

Shull emphasized the importance of trustees respecting their oversight role, following procedures, and fostering transparent collaboration with senior staff. Despite these shortcomings, he noted that the trustees were driven by a genuine commitment to educational excellence and community service.

Key findings from the investigation included instances of trustees overstepping their boundaries, financial concerns eroding public trust, governance conflicts leading to staff turnover, and lapses in procurement procedures.

Shull proposed 18 recommendations, including mandatory governance training for trustees, revisions to policies for expenses and procurement, enhanced transparency in reporting major decisions and expenses, and the development of a workplace culture that promotes stability and respect.

While the Italy trip highlighted governance flaws, Shull emphasized that the board’s challenges extend beyond this incident. Addressing these deeper governance issues will be crucial for the board to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

The report also provided details on the Italy trip, such as the trustees' travel arrangements and activities in Munich, shedding light on the trip's nature.

In response to the report, the board has been instructed to consider Shull’s recommendations, repay expenses within 30 days, conduct business in compliance with regulations, and implement a governance professional development plan for trustees. The board expressed its commitment to cooperating with the Ministry of Education in reviewing and implementing the recommendations.

As the BHNCDSB navigates these governance challenges, its focus remains on serving students, staff, and the wider community with integrity and efficacy.

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