An Ontario school trustee targeted for dismissal by the province’s education minister has now stepped down. Mark Watson, a member of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, participated in a controversial $45,000 trip to Italy to acquire $100,000 worth of art for the board.
This trip, deemed contentious by Education Minister Paul Calandra, is highlighted as an instance of public funds mismanagement at certain school boards, prompting calls for governance reforms. While three of the trustees reimbursed their expenses from the trip, Watson allegedly declined to fully repay his share, leaving a balance exceeding $12,000.
Calandra has introduced a bill aimed at terminating Watson’s trustee position and prohibiting him from holding such a role at any Ontario school board until 2030. The minister expressed regret that legislative action was necessary for Watson to rectify the situation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and integrity in education.
Additionally, Calandra emphasized that Watson still owes the school board money, emphasizing the importance of restitution. The minister criticized the diversion of funds that could otherwise support student success to finance extravagant overseas trips for disconnected school board members. Watson has not commented on the matter, but the board confirmed his resignation on Friday.