The TDSB Trustees came together to write their submission to the Governance Advisory Panel, entitled: Positive Change That’s Working, which is signed by all Trustees.
This document outlines improvements to accountability and governance that this new board of Trustees has already undertaken. It highlights the many accomplishments over the years of Canada’s largest school board – something we haven’t heard a lot about in recent months – and a refreshing reminder of how many leading edge programs have roots in the TDSB.
This submission also outlines the thoughtful, rational, evidence-based approach to school accommodation and program reviews being taken by the TDSB to ascertain how to use the capital assets of public schools in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Additionally, it proposes potential strategic partnerships with post-secondary institutions and consideration of public schools as community hubs.
Trustees cite the Fix Our Schools campaign in their submission, as evidence that parents are becoming increasingly frustrated with the state of disrepair in public schools, and urge the Governance Panel to consider the need for additional funding sources to address this issue. Specifically, Trustees ask the Governance Panel to encourage the provincial government to revisit the regulations guiding Education Development Charges, a source of funding that the TDSB is prevented from accessing at the moment.
Finally, the Trustee’s submission provides input on the various models of governance that seem to be given consideration by the Governance Panel. In particular, they cite breaking up the TDSB as a step backwards – one that would cost taxpayers an estimated $100-million with questionable benefits to TDSB students at this time.
Our Trustees seem to be coming together as a team that is truly looking out for the best interests of TDSB students and families. Barbara Hall and team – will you give this TDSB Board of Trustees the opportunity to govern? And help them to receive the funding needed to deliver quality programming in safe, well-maintained buildings?