The Minister of Education has appointed supervisors at the Peel District School Board (PDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) in response to serious concerns about infighting and long-term financial unsustainability that risk disrupting learning and undermining student outcomes. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, these actions will help the province restore sound financial management at these boards and ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.
"After careful review, it is clear that both Peel and York Catholic are facing serious challenges that they cannot resolve on their own," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "I have appointed supervisors to restore sound management, strengthen oversight and ensure every decision is focused on protecting student learning and success."
In January, the Minister placed the PDSB under provincial supervision on a provisional basis to prevent a mid-year staffing change that could have resulted in uncertainty for parents, students and educators. At the same time, he advised the YCDSB that the board's significant governance issues were affecting matters of public interest and that he was considering placing the board under supervision.
Ms. Heather Watt has been appointed as supervisor at the PDSB. Ms. Watt is a management consultant with over 20 years of career experience in public and private sector leadership. She has worked in crisis consulting and senior strategy roles across multiple sectors, including government, life sciences, health insurance, pharmacy, consumer products, industrials and private equity.
Ms. Carrie Kormos has been appointed as supervisor at the YCDSB. She is a seasoned advisor with over 30 years of experience supporting executive teams and boards in Canada's government, gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors. Ms. Kormos has previously advised Ministers and Premiers, and has also served as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at one of Canada's largest hospitality companies. Ms. Kormos serves as a Director for Invest Ontario and the Canadian Gaming Association.
Ms. Watt and Ms. Kormos will provide the ministry with regular updates on their work to stabilize the boards' financial situation, introduce efficiency measures and strengthen overall operational effectiveness.
Quick Facts
- Eight school boards are currently under provincial supervision due to mismanagement, reflecting the government's ongoing efforts to uphold public trust and strengthen accountability in Ontario's publicly funded education system with a back-to-basics focus on student outcomes. This is part of the government's ongoing work to protect Ontario and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, by redirecting every dollar to equipping students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.
- Passed in November 2025, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025 made amendments to the Education Act to simplify, streamline and broaden the Minister of Education's powers of oversight, including over school board finances, governance and program performance.
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