Ontario assumes control of Thames Valley school board as deficit nears $32M, unveiling a strict recovery plan without trustee oversight.
Province Intervenes in London’s Largest School Board
In an unprecedented move, the Ontario government has assumed control of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), citing a soaring deficit and mismanagement of public funds. A budget report released Monday outlines a bleak financial trajectory, with a projected $31.9 million deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year—nearly double earlier estimates.
Deficit Doubles Despite Provincial Oversight
The report marks the first budget drafted under the direct supervision of provincial appointee Paul Boniferro, who was appointed in April. According to the document, the board’s deficit is “structural,” pointing to a long-term imbalance between revenue and expenditures. Despite provincial rules limiting deficits to one per cent of the total budget—about $12 million for TVDSB—the board’s shortfall has significantly exceeded that cap.
Deep Staff Cuts and Asset Sales Proposed
To correct course, the preliminary 2025-26 budget includes sweeping cuts totalling $9.6 million in operational expenses, including $7 million in salaries and benefits. Approximately 115 full-time equivalent positions are slated for elimination, including nearly 47 roles in teaching, learning support, and library services. Administrative cuts, early childhood educator positions, and educational assistants are also affected. A projected enrolment decline is cited as a key reason for the staffing reductions. The board also hints at future property sales to generate surplus funds, though details remain vague.
Trustees Sidestepped in Budget Planning
The most striking aspect of the budget process is the absence of elected trustee input. Boniferro’s leadership, prompted by a damning external audit and past spending scandals—such as a luxury retreat for senior administrators—marks the first time a provincial supervisor has overridden a school board’s authority in Ontario. He has declined multiple interview requests since his appointment.
Minister Calandra Criticizes Board Mismanagement
Ontario’s Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, expressed frustration over the board’s ongoing financial troubles. In a statement, he said, “This reaffirms just how profoundly trustees failed in their duty to manage public funds and why it was necessary to place the board under supervision.” Calandra added that the situation highlights the need for the ministry to play a more active role in school board governance provincewide.
Uncertain Road Ahead for London’s Public Schools
While interim director of education Bill Tucker previously warned staff of impending cuts, the full scope of the recovery plan is now clear—and stark. The board insists it is prioritizing reductions that preserve classroom quality, yet the depth of the cuts paints a sobering picture for families and staff alike. As the province continues to tighten its grip on school board finances, TVDSB stands as a cautionary tale for educational governance across Ontario.
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