Since Perron’s appointment, the board has also revamped its web site.

This technological outreach seems to be pointing towards a new direction for the Toronto Catholic board.

Asked about its progress, Perron said there is a “tremendous spirit”  at the board even after all that’s happened over the past two years. The McGuinty government placed it under provincial supervision in 2008 after it failed to balance its budget and following reports by former board supervisor Norbert Hartmann criticizing a “culture of entitlement.” 

Perron said there has been “momentum” in the working relationship between Hartmann’s successor as supervisor, Richard Alway, and the trustees.

“We’ve come a long way,” she said.

And there seems to be a “genuine commitment” of staff and a “renewed sense of optimism” with the upcoming trustee elections in October, she said.

Moreover, Perron said the board has set high standards.

“It’s not just about governance. It has to be about our students,” she said.

“Even with some of the things going on, we’ve kept our students first and foremost in our minds.”