The chair of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board says a newly introduced provincial education bill risks undermining local governance and Catholic school rights, even as it aims to improve student achievement.
In a statement Tuesday, Bob Schraeder said the board supports the Ontario government’s goal of student success but is concerned about elements of the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 that could centralize decision-making.
Schraeder said the board is aligned with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association in reviewing the legislation and warned that a “one-size-fits-all” approach may not reflect the needs of rural and small-town communities.
He pointed to the board’s track record on standardized testing, saying students in the region have consistently outperformed provincial averages on EQAO assessments — results he attributed to locally elected trustees and community-focused governance.
The board is assessing the proposed law based on several key principles, including the protection of constitutional and denominational rights, maintaining academic standards alongside faith-based education, and preserving local authority in staffing and labour negotiations.
Schraeder said maintaining the board’s role as employer is essential to ensuring accountability to families and continuing investments in areas such as mental health and special education. The board operates with a budget of nearly $95 million.
He also emphasized the importance of preserving local representation in collective bargaining, arguing that provincial negotiations must reflect the unique geographic and operational challenges faced by boards in regions like Renfrew County.
The statement concludes with a call for further dialogue with the province, including the education minister and local MPP, to ensure that any modernization efforts do not come at the expense of local decision-making or Catholic education rights.
(Steve Berard)
