An Ontario school trustee, targeted for dismissal by the province’s education minister through proposed legislation, has now stepped down from his position. Mark Watson, part of a group of four trustees from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, embarked on a $45,000 trip to Italy to procure art valued at $100,000 for the board.
The contentious trip is among the instances highlighted by Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra as indicative of financial mismanagement in certain school boards, prompting calls for a governance revamp. While three of the trustees reimbursed their travel expenses, Calandra disclosed that Watson declined to fully repay his portion, leaving a remaining balance exceeding $12,000.
Calandra introduced a bill on Monday specifically aimed at ousting Watson and prohibiting him from serving as a trustee at any Ontario school board until 2030. Expressing regret over the necessity of resorting to legislation, Calandra emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and integrity in the education sector.
The education minister emphasized that Watson still has outstanding debts to the school board, urging him to settle the amount promptly. He underscored the importance of directing such funds towards enhancing student success rather than funding extravagant overseas trips for disconnected school board members.
Despite not providing a response to media inquiries, the board confirmed Watson’s resignation on Friday.
