The Ontario government has appointed Aaron Shull to lead a review of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board’s (BHNCDSB) expenses, conflict of interest practices, and accountability policies, following public outrage over a costly trip to South Tyrol, Italy, in July 2024.
Four trustees from the board spent $45,000 on the trip to purchase $100,000 worth of religious artwork for two new schools, a decision that has drawn criticism from parents and community members for its perceived misuse of public funds. The trustees have since pledged to repay the travel expenses and explore donations or other funding options to offset the cost of the artwork.
The Ministry of Education’s investigation found the board had amended its policies on discretionary spending and non-student-related expenses shortly before the trip.
“Trustees are expected to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and to spend education funding to support student achievement and better equip teachers in classrooms—not on lavish trips and costly artwork,” said Minister of Education Jill Dunlop. “The BHNCDSB’s misuse of public dollars is appalling. They have failed students, parents, and their community with a serious lack of fiscal responsibility and judgment.”
Shull, who is currently the managing director and general counsel at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, will evaluate the board’s spending policies, including travel, procurement, and fundraising practices. He will also assess executive pay to ensure compliance with the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act, and any additional issues that arise during the review.
The findings will be presented in a final report to the Ministry of Education by March 2025, with interim updates throughout the review process.
“We look forward to seeing the outcomes of Mr. Shull’s review and his recommendations to strengthen the governance of the BHNCDSB,” Dunlop said. “This review is an important step in maintaining confidence in Ontario’s publicly funded education system and ensuring fiscal accountability going forward.”
In addition to this review, the Ministry of Education announced plans to examine discretionary expenses across all Ontario school boards and incorporate the findings into bi-annual financial disclosures, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability.
With extensive experience in governance and public policy, Shull has practiced law in various capacities and taught at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. His expertise in managing public funds and ensuring procedural fairness positions him as a strong candidate for this critical review.
The provincial government’s actions reflect a broader effort to safeguard taxpayer dollars while restoring trust in the province’s education system.
