Overview

We strive to maintain high standards of school board accountability and transparency in our public school system.

Performance reviews

The Minister of Education can appoint an individual or a committee to conduct a performance review of a school board if the minister has concerns about:

  • student achievement
  • student health and safety
  • good governance
  • performance of a board and of the director of education in carrying out their responsibilities under the Education Act
  • level of parent involvement

Financial investigations

The Minister of Education can appoint an investigator to conduct a financial investigation of a school board if:

  • the board reported an accumulated deficit
  • the board was required to submit a multi-year financial recovery plan but failed to do so
  • the board was required to comply with goals or targets under a financial recovery plan but failed to do so
  • the board failed to pay its debentures or other debts
  • the minister has concerns about the board’s ability to meet its financial obligations

By conducting these reviews and investigations, we continue to build a strong education system that is accountable, transparent and responsibly uses education funding to support students.

New reviews and investigations

Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) financial investigation

Following controversy over an off-site retreat costing nearly $40,000 by the school board’s senior officials in August 2024, we appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to lead an investigation that reviewed the board’s finances and executive pay practices.

Based on the findings of this investigation, the investigator recommended control of the board be vested in the ministry. This will allow the board to get back on track and undertake the necessary steps to improve its financial position.

Learn more about the TVDSB financial investigation.

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) trustee expenses review

In response to an incident in July 2024, where trustees traveled to Italy to buy religious art, the Minister of Education appointed Aaron Shull to review the board's policies and procedures. This review examines trustee expenses and travel, procurement, fundraising and financial accountability.

Read about the BHNCDSB review.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) field trip policies review

After a September 2024 field trip where students attended a rally, the Minister of Education appointed Patrick Case to review the TDSB's field trip policies and practices. The review also covers how these policies are implemented.

Read about the TDSB review.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) financial investigation

Since 2021-22, the school board has been reporting in-year deficits, and it is reporting another shortfall this year. At the end of the 2023-24 school year, the board had completely depleted its reserves. The ministry is now appointing a financial investigator to validate the school board’s current financial position and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) financial investigation

In August 2024, after the board forecasted a significant accumulated deficit, the ministry engaged Deloitte LLP to identify the reasons for their deteriorating financial position and recommend savings measures to help the board return to a balanced position. This work revealed that the board could have done more to avoid their deteriorated financial position. The ministry is now appointing a financial investigator to validate the school board’s current financial position and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) financial investigation

In December 2024, the Auditor General of Ontario issued an extensive report on the board’s school safety, financial management and capital planning. It echoed many of the serious concerns the Ministry of Education has voiced to the school board on numerous occasions over the past few years, including a letter issued to them last year outlining the board’s inability to meet its financial responsibilities under the Education Act. The ministry is now appointing a financial investigator to validate the school board’s current financial position and recommend whether control and charge of the board should be vested in the ministry.

Contact us

If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact information.met@ontario.ca. We will:

  • acknowledge your request within 3 business days
  • provide you with the content within 15 business days