“As History has taught us, all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk.” Clapback to the appointment of Director of Education Clayton La Touche

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement on Wednesday, January 8^th, 2025, by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) of the appointment of Clayton La Touche as new Director of Education ends a four-month search.

There have been several changes in senior leadership of the TDSB over the last two decades. La Touche replaces Colleen Russel-Rawlins who served from 2021 to 2024. Dr. John Malloy served from 2015 to 2020. Chris Spence served 2009 to 2013 when he resigned after admission of plagiarism.

La Touche currently serves as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ministry of Education. He started teaching in 1994 and has worked as a teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal, Superintendent and Associate Director of Education with York Region District School Board. His rise up the administrative ladder began in 2000.

The press release states: “Throughout his career, La Touche has built a reputation as an inclusive, collaborative leader with a deep commitment to equitable achievement and well-being outcomes for all students. He is dedicated to the advancement of public education.”

“I am excited to be returning to the TDSB family and looking forward to working with trustees, staff, students and families, communities and partners to achieve the best outcomes for students.”

Nathan Shan, Chair of the TDSB states, “Clayton brings a wealth of experience and passion for public education to the TDSB. We look forward to his arrival next month so that we can continue building on the progress we’re made in making the TDSB a great place to learn and work.”

In his response to his appointment, the long-time educator states, “I am excited to be returning to the TDSB family and looking forward to working with trustees, staff, students and families, communities and partners to achieve the best outcomes for students.”

Ontario’s auditor general report found that TDSB’s rate of violent incidents is at the highest level ever, although it is lower than the provincial average. The report states, “Violent incidents increased 67% from 244 to 407 between 2017/18 school year and the 2022/23 school year.” In addition, it was found that the board is “Not fully tracking bullying problems, is lagging in mental health staff, is not periodically checking the criminal history of staff, and that sick days are creeping up, costing the board tens of millions of dollars.”

There has been some skepticism expressed by individuals regarding La Touche’s appointment to the TDSB’s top job. Horace Dockery writes on Facebook, “Beyond surface level celebration of representation, why is this appointment meaningful? Representation matters, but we cannot afford to conflate visibility with progress. Too often we have witnessed figures who share our identity ascend to power only to perpetuate systems that oppress us.”

Horace mentions the case of Mark Saunders, the first Black Superintendent in the history of the Toronto Police Service.” He states, “He was a Black man in a position of authority who became a gatekeeper for the establishment rather than a disruptor of justice.” Horace posed several poignant questions such as:

What makes this appointment great news beyond skin colour? Is this individual equipped with a track record of meaningful advocacy? Do they have a history of challenging power structures rather than upholding them? Will they serve the community’s needs, or will they become another token in a system designed to pacify us with optics while maintaining the status quo?

Horace concludes, “For those who support this appointment, explain why. Not in platitudes, or appeals to identify politics, but with substance. Show us the work this person has done, the values they uphold, and the plans they have for truly serving the community. Representation is not enough. We need accountability, action and a commitment to progress. As history has taught us, all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk.”