NORTH BAY - Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says he was “absolutely shocked” after reading a provincial report that detailed widespread dysfunction and leadership failures within the Near North District School Board.
Findings of the review process for the Board are detailed in a Ministry of Education report.
See: Leadership and governance failures plague Near North school board
The report, released yesterday by the Ministry of Education, describes a breakdown in governance, leadership failures, and eroded public trust. It highlights misuse of a corporate credit card, board infighting, and a lack of professionalism among trustees.
Speaking to media during an unrelated announcement this morning, Fedeli says the findings paint a troubling picture of how the Board has been operating.
“I quite frankly was absolutely shocked at the content of it,” he said.
“How this could have gone on and on for so long. And when you read the report, a rather scathing report, then you completely understand how a dysfunctional group such as that one actually ends up not being able to open a school on time and tearing a perfectly good other school down in the middle of it.”
See: Parry Sound parents to rally over delayed school opening, town council seeks answers
And: Teacher’s union ‘very concerned’ about Parry Sound school
The report points to “absent” leadership from Director of Education Craig Myles and “fractured” relationships among trustees, saying the dysfunction has undermined public confidence and led to community frustration—particularly in Parry Sound—over delays on the new JK–12 school.
Fedeli says the Ministry of Education has issued directions to the Board.
“There are recommendations in the report,” he said. “They have so many days to achieve each one of these targets. And the minister has ended up saying, ‘meet these targets or there’s consequences.’”
A request by BayToday to interview Director Craig Myles and Board Chair St. Pierre was met with, "Near North District School Board is providing no comment at this time," from the Board's Communications Department.
Fedeli added that the next move will rest with Education Minister Paul Calandra.
“I think the consequences are completely in the hands of the minister of education, and it will be up to him to take the next steps,” he said. “In other communities, he has taken very solid steps forward.”
Fedeli suggested the situation raises broader questions about how Ontario’s school boards function.
“When you see this kind of action happening around various communities in Ontario, it really tells you that some kind of reset is needed,” he said.
Fedeli also responded to the issues at North Bay City Hall and Mayor Peter Chirico’s 60-day pay suspension for corporate card misuse.
See: North Bay Mayor faces 60 day suspension of pay over expense violations
“Very concerning,” he said.
"I have not yet read the Integrity Commissioner's report, but I've read the media summaries. Disappointing to see all of the activity. It has certainly sidetracked our Council from doing the work that they really need to be doing.”