An Ontario school trustee targeted for dismissal by the province’s education minister has opted to step down. Mark Watson, a trustee at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, was part of a group of four trustees who traveled to Italy on a $45,000 trip to purchase $100,000 worth of art for the board. This trip, which stirred controversy, is among the instances highlighted by Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra as indicative of misusing public funds in certain school boards, prompting calls for governance reforms.
Although three of the trustees reimbursed their trip expenses, Calandra asserted that Watson declined to fully repay his share, leaving a balance exceeding $12,000. In response, Calandra introduced a bill on Monday aimed solely at dismissing Watson and preventing him from serving as a trustee on any Ontario school board until 2030. Expressing regret that legislative action was necessary for Watson to rectify the situation, Calandra emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and integrity in education.
While noting that Watson still owes money to the school board, Calandra insisted on his repayment. He criticized the misuse of funds for extravagant overseas trips by disconnected school board trustees, emphasizing the need for resources to enhance student achievement. Despite a lack of response from Watson, the board confirmed his resignation on Friday.