Ontario's education minister opposed former school board chair Jay Aspin's bid to return, citing past governance failures that led to ministry takeover in Dec. 2025.

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra publicly criticized former NNDSB chair Jay Aspin for seeking a return to the board, calling the effort misguided. Calandra highlighted Aspin’s prior warnings about the board’s dysfunction, which led the Ministry of Education to assume control on December 1, 2025, due to severe governance failures, including students in a half-demolished school and widespread disruptions. The ministry cited leadership failures, misconduct, and 10 missed directives under new powers, justifying oversight. Calandra emphasized student welfare over personal agendas, while Aspin called the minister’s public attack unusual and concerning.