SIR WILFRID LAURIER SCHOOL BOARD
SWLSB Implements Stronger Oversight Measures for Members of Council to Enhance Transparency and Accountability

In a move to boost trust and reinforce financial accountability, the Council of Commissioners of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) has unanimously adopted significant amendments to its expense reimbursement policy, ensuring a more transparent and accountable approach to approving the chairperson's expenses.
Under the previous policy, the director general was responsible for authorizing the chairperson's expenses.

However, in response to past concerns and in alignment with best governance practices, this responsibility will now fall under the oversight of the Executive Committee, along with that of the director general. This structural change aims to provide a higher level of scrutiny and ensure that all expenses align with the school board's values of responsibility and integrity.

"Our community deserves leadership that is not only transparent but also deeply committed to the responsible use of resources," said James Di Sano, Chairperson of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. "We are taking proactive measures to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that our leadership remains fully accountable to the stakeholders we serve."

This initiative follows the challenges faced by the school board in the wake of the previous chairperson's expenditures, which underscored the need for stronger financial governance. The new policy reflects a fundamental shift in the way the school board approaches financial oversight as well as a commitment to ethical leadership and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Key elements of the updated policy include:

• Enhanced Oversight: The Executive Committee now holds full responsibility, alongside the director general, for approving the chairperson's expenses, ensuring multi-tiered accountability. Additionally, a resolution will be brought to the next council meeting requiring that all commissioners' expenses will be tabled at the Executive Committee, once authorized by the chairperson.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Ongoing reviews will be conducted to adapt to evolving governance standards.

"These changes signify more than just policy revisions; they represent a renewed commitment to ethical leadership and fiscal responsibility," added James Di Sano. "Our focus is on ensuring that every dollar spent serves the students, families, and communities that rely on us."

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board remains committed to engaging stakeholders in these ongoing improvements and welcomes feedback as it continues to strengthen its governance practices.

With a workforce of more than 2,000 employees, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board is the third-largest English school board of Québec and boasts a graduation rate of 87.4%. Its territory comprises the administrative regions of Laval, Laurentides and Lanaudière. The school board provides preschool, elementary, secondary and adult education, together with vocational training services to over 14,000 students in 36 schools and 4 centres. It also offers business training services.