Catholic school board ‘reaffirming its commitment to transparency,’ says newly re-elected chair

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The newly re-elected chair of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board said the organization is “reaffirming its commitment to transparency, good stewardship of resources and, above all, to our students.” 

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“We commit to maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparency about how resource allocations support classroom instruction, special education, student mental health and safe learning environments,” said Carol Luciani at the board’s annual meeting on Dec. 9. “Our commitment is straightforward: every dollar must serve students. Accountability is how we honour the trust placed in us; transparency is how we keep that trust.” 

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It has been a controversial year for the school board, which underwent a governance review following media attention and public scrutiny after a publicly funded trip to Italy in the summer of 2024. 

Four trustees from the board came under fire for taking the $50,000 trip, where more than $70,000 in artwork was purchased for two new schools. The board also spent more than $60,000 for legal advice in the aftermath of the trip. 

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Three of the trustees have repaid their trip expenses. Former trustee Mark Watson, who was refusing to fully repay his expenses, turned in his resignation in October after Education Minister Paul Calandra put forward legislation to fire him. Rick Petrella, who was also on the trip, is on a leave from his trustee position. 

Bill Chopp, another of the trustees on the trip, was elected vice chair of the board at the annual meeting. 

“As we begin our new chapter together, we do so with clarity of vision and a renewed commitment to the students we serve,” said Luciani. “Our focus remains steadfast: fostering belonging, advancing teaching and learning, and promoting wellness for every student and staff member in our care.” 

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This is Luciani’s second consecutive term as board chair. She previously served five years as vice chair. She is a former long-time elementary school principal. 

Luciani noted several board achievements over the past year, including the opening of a new Catholic elementary school in Caledonia, “with three more, including a new Catholic secondary school (in Brantford), already in consultation or construction.” 

“But buildings alone do not define our success. We will continue strengthening our curriculum supports and assessment practices; investing in inclusive classrooms and assistive technology; and ensuring that students with diverse learning needs experience high expectations and high support.” 

Luciani said recent EQAO results show “encouraging progress” and the board has identified areas “where continued improvement is both necessary and achievable.”  

With files from Celeste Percy-Beauregaard, a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. 

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