Ottawa Now - OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans fears trustees might retire over Ford government's new directives

Sweeping changes are coming to Ontario’s school boards, as addressed by the province’s Education Minister earlier today. Paul Calandra says the endgame of the brand-new act is to put student achievement above all else – ranging from standardized mandatory exams for high-school students, to grading the participation and attendance records of students. But what does this mean for the long-term future of school board trustees? And when it comes to Ottawa's largest school board, did today’s announcement tell us anything as to how they fit into this complex equation? OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans is among a crowd of trustees that have been in limbo for nearly a full year, as the province has taken over the school board and indefinitely suspended email access for all trustees. And as the new era begins, Evans wouldn't be surprised if the present-day roster sees significant departures once October's municipal election rolls around. That likely includes Evans specifically, who intends to run for a spot on Ottawa City Council.