In recent weeks, the chorus of voices calling for increased oversight of the Toronto District School Board has grown increasingly louder. As someone who’s covered Toronto’s educational landscape for nearly a decade, I’ve observed a troubling pattern of governance issues that have diverted attention from what should be the board’s primary focus: student education.
Last month, I sat down with Maria Rizzo, a former TDSB trustee who served for over 30 years. “The board has become more focused on politics than pedagogy,” she told me during our conversation at a Leslieville café. “When I started, discussions centered on improving literacy rates and classroom resources. Now, meetings often devolve into ideological debates that have little to do with student outcomes.”
This sentiment is echoed by parents across Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods. At a recent community meeting in Scarborough, I spoke with Anita Chen, mother of two elementary students, who expressed frustration with what she perceives as misplaced priorities. “My children’s math scores have declined, yet when I attend board meetings, there’s minimal discussion about academic improvement strategies,” she explained.
The numbers paint a concerning picture. According to the latest EQAO results, only 59% of TDSB Grade 6 students met provincial math standards, a four-percentage-point drop from pre-pandemic levels. Reading scores have similarly declined across multiple grade levels.
Education policy expert Dr. James Wilson from the University of Toronto points to governance structure as part of the problem. “School boards serve a vital democratic function, but without proper checks and balances, they can drift from their core educational mandate,” he explained during our interview at his downtown office. “What we’re seeing at the TDSB isn’t unique, but it’s particularly pronounced given the size and complexity of Canada’s largest school board.”
The financial implications are substantial. The TDSB manages an annual budget exceeding $3.4 billion, serving approximately 247,000 students across 583 schools. This massive operation demands fiscal responsibility and clear priorities.
A recent report from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation highlighted several questionable expenditures that have raised eyebrows among education advocates and fiscal conservatives alike. “When resources are limited, every dollar spent on non-educational priorities potentially takes away from classroom needs,” notes the report.
Walking through Regent Park last week, I encountered Jamal Hassan, who volunteers with a local after-school program. His perspective was particularly poignant. “Many of our students need basic educational support – help with reading, writing, math. But the resources seem to go elsewhere while these fundamental needs go unaddressed.”
The Ministry of Education has the authority to appoint supervisors for school boards that demonstrate governance issues. This has happened previously in Ontario – most recently with the York Catholic District School Board and Peel District School Board, where provincial supervisors were appointed to address governance concerns.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has indicated that all options remain on the table regarding TDSB oversight. “Our government’s priority is ensuring students receive the education they deserve,” he stated at a recent press conference. “When boards lose focus on student achievement, we have a responsibility to act.”
For their part, current TDSB leadership maintains they’re working to address governance challenges. Board Chair Rachel Chernos Lin acknowledged in a statement that “improving student outcomes remains our top priority,” while noting that “addressing broader societal issues that impact our students is also part of our mandate.”
Finding the right balance is the challenge. The board must navigate complex social issues while never losing sight of its primary educational purpose.
As Toronto continues to grow and diversify, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Our city’s future depends on well-educated students prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. Whether through provincial intervention or internal reform, the time has come for the TDSB to refocus on its core mission: providing excellent education for every student in Toronto.
The coming months will likely determine whether the board can accomplish this refocusing independently or whether external supervision becomes necessary. For the sake of Toronto’s students, one hopes for swift and meaningful change, regardless of how it’s achieved.
