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 $45,000 trip to Italy to purchase $100,000 worth of art for the board. This trip, considered controversial, is among the instances highlighted by Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra as indicative of misusing public funds in certain school boards, prompting calls for a governance overhaul.
While three of the four trustees reimbursed their trip expenses, Calandra stated that Watson declined to fully repay his share, leaving a balance exceeding $12,000. Calandra introduced a bill on Monday specifically aimed at terminating Watson’s position and prohibiting him from holding any trustee role in an Ontario school board until 2030.
In response to Watson’s resignation, Calandra expressed regret that legislative action was necessary for Watson to take corrective steps. He emphasized the bill’s role in upholding accountability and integrity in education, affirming the government’s commitment to these principles. Calandra also reiterated that Watson still owes money to the school board, urging him to settle the outstanding amount promptly.
Notably, Watson has not issued a public response following the board’s announcement of his resignation.