TORONTO, ON – The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) President David Mastin responding to a rumour that the Ford government is considering replacing Ontario’s 72 school boards with four:

“Collapsing Ontario’s 72 school boards into four isn’t just a bad idea, it’s reckless, undemocratic, and an outright attack on public education. This move would silence parents, erase community voices, eliminate democratically elected trustees, and cut families off from decision-makers. Ford is manufacturing yet another crisis in education to tighten his grip on our schools.

It is not hyperbole to say that this unprecedented power grab would decimate public education. It would destabilize schools across the province and put student learning, safety, and well-being at risk. Premier Ford and Education Minister Calandra aren’t reforming education; they are intent on dismantling a world-class public education system that educators have built and defended for generations.