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A recent report concerning a $145,000 trip to Italy taken by a group of trustees from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) highlights significant underlying governance issues within the board. This trip, which took place in July 2024, became a focal point of public criticism after details emerged in October.
The week-long excursion, initially costing $45,000, included a controversial decision to spend $100,000 on artwork for a new high school in Brantford, located near Hamilton. Following the trip, the financial fallout increased by an additional $63,000 due to legal expenses, bringing the total expenditure to approximately $190,000.
As noted in the findings from lawyer Aaron Shull’s review, commissioned in response to public and media concern, the trip is seen as a representation of deeper systemic problems within the school board’s operations. The report states, “While the Italy trip itself drew widespread criticism for questionable expenditures and insufficient oversight, the central finding of this review is that the board’s governance framework and practices are the core cause of the challenges facing the school board.” This emphasizes that the issues reached beyond the trip itself, impacting overall governance and decision-making processes.
A ‘Tale of Two Boards’
Shull’s analysis characterized the BHNCDSB’s function as a “tale of two boards.” It highlighted that the day-to-day operations were praised by many as being run efficiently and positively under a capable education director, while the governance conducted by the board of trustees was marred by dysfunction. The findings suggest that some trustees were overstepping their roles, often moving into operational matters and neglecting protocol, which undermines effective governance.
The report suggests that this fusion of roles and responsibilities has led to a lack of cohesive oversight and confusion about accountability among board members. Notably, Shull states, “The contrast between these two approaches, one guided by a respected director and the other marked by trustee overreach, illuminates the core governance issues at hand.”
In response to the findings, Shull’s report included 18 recommendations requiring the school board to provide an implementation report by May 23. The government is also mandating that the trustees repay their travel expenses within 30 days and recover funds associated with the artwork purchased in Italy.
Moreover, BHNCDSB must ensure future meetings adhere strictly to regulatory and legislative requirements, alongside developing a professional learning plan for trustees that emphasizes governance responsibilities. Following the public uproar, Board Chair Rick Petrella expressed regret over the situation and mentioned that potential donors were interested in assisting with the cost of the artwork. Petrella, who has taken a leave of absence, noted the board’s commitment to rectifying the matter.
Newly appointed Education Minister Paul Calandra has warned of consequences should the BHNCDSB fail to comply with the directives laid out in the review. Calandra stated, “If that board doesn’t do what we are asking them to do, if they don’t follow through on the additional recommendations, then I will use the tools that are available to me to take further action.”
Source
globalnews.ca