Governance changes for school boards are being considered for the new year, though no legislation will be introduced before December; trustees may not be the optimal vehicle for Ontario's $43-billion education system.

Advisory board roles will pay the chair $1,500 per day and the other member $1,000 per day, while supervisors of school boards can earn up to $2,000 per day.

The advisory will investigate why math gains are slowing, assess curriculum clarity and learning resources, evaluate teacher preparation, and determine whether students have the tools they need to succeed.

Context includes broader governance developments, such as increased supervision of some boards and prior statements about trustees and potential reforms.

Specific results show math standards met by 64% of Grade 3, 51% of Grade 6, and 58% of Grade 9 students, with only modest gains from the prior years.

The minister argues an external review is necessary to avoid internal bias and cites trustee decisions and leadership issues as part of the backdrop to the outcome concerns.

Ontario has taken control of the Near North District School Board due to long-standing mismanagement, with action to restore governance and trust.

Notable variance in results across boards, such as Niagara Catholic versus Niagara public, suggests factors beyond funding influence outcomes.

The minister acknowledged COVID-19 contributed to performance issues but rejected using it as a long-term excuse, and noted ongoing supervision actions as accountability measures.

Governance issues are being reviewed across multiple boards, with Near North near the bottom and others in various supervisory statuses.

Ontario's education minister is launching a two-person advisory body to review EQAO standardized testing and student outcomes amid concerns over insufficient progress in reading, writing, and math.

The remarks were delivered at a Toronto news conference, with links to related coverage on governance and takeovers.