Toronto School Board Is Playing Politics

So, let me get this straight. The Toronto District School Board is about to have one of those photo ops where everyone stands around and gleams and people talk about how great they are - this time trying to dish out credit for helping to keep football alive.

Well, hold on. First, the news is out. The press conference set for this week is what they call "old news" - other than some pictures here and there. There might be a few new things added. But attempts to keep the news hush, hush by the TDSB's Communication staff, well, failed - and even with a gag rule sent out to say nothing if guys like me happen to call.

Here's something else that smacks of, ah, stinky politics. A key guy responsible for doing a huge job in helping football from sinking into a smelly pit is Toronto Councillor Rob Ford.

Ready? He still hasn't even been invited to this event.

All Ford, along with many corporate folks and football fans have done, is forked over close to $100,000 in small amounts of $10,000 to kick-start programs the past few years at Newtonbrook, Forest Hill and Westview. Lately, it's been Eastern Commerce (twinned with Monarch Park), Lester B. Pearson, Danforth, C.W. Jefferys and others set to start playing this week. North Albion was approached, but the school never got back to Ford.

No recognition for Ford. Whoops. Political interference - 15 yards.

Ford doesn't need the publicity. I have watched and spoken to students, teachers, coaches, parents, principals who have been very outspoken showing their appreciation. That means a great deal more to him.

There are also some who don't like Ford. Maybe they can't get over the fact that he wears a suit when he volunteers coaching a school team at the Toronto Catholic Board. He's taken Don Bosco High from non-existence to a citywide final. I think some jealousy is also showing.

And, the Toronto Argonauts - a team that has trouble winning on the field - are also involved in this upcoming announcement. Yes, hoping to show their support for amateur football when the Buffalo Bills In Toronto Series have been all over the Boatmen in Toronto schools and kids tell me they prefer the NFL over the CFL.

The Argos did run a clinic last week and are pitching in to help improve select school football fields and have offered funds for therapists at games. Even have Argo stickers on some school helmets. Wonder if they're also handing out free tickets to football players to help fill those empty seats?

Ford, as the story in the Star today says, has been a penny-pinching politician and very controversial. Yes, he's no angel. But, he does have another side of him that shows he cares about students - and he's been coaching football for the past eight years. Show me another politician who has done that or even some of those highly-paid TDSB administrators. Like I have said before, I know they're all very busy.

The TDSB still has time to show gratitude to everyone pitching in to help football in high schools. They should do the right thing and avoid the embarrassment.

Comments

[Jimmy]

Maybe the reason Ford is given the finger could be because David Miller is attending. They love each other like cats admire dogs.

[Mrs. Cuthbertson]

Well done Rob. People are so jealous of your work that it's ridiculous. Kids playing is all that counts. Some of those well played school superintendents, thanks to the tax dollar, should get off their @#&* and praise you.

[Felix Rodrigues]

Politics and kids. Quite the lesson for students.

[Mr. Feldman]

That's what I like to see all these bureaucrats ignoring a politician who helps keep students active after school. And we won der about our society? I don't know Rob Ford and if it is true that he's being snubbed than Chris Spence, the new Director, is not the guy I thought he was if he allows this garbage to happen.

[Jergins]

The Argos involved. That can only mean more losers.

[TP]

Keep Ford out. He's only doing this for publicity. If he's coaching for eight years then who has been at city hall or does he save dollars by avoiding council.

[James Logan]

I assume from what I read that Ford is a great coach, a guy who has done everything but I haven't read how he swears at kids during a game and really takes it hard when his team loses. My kind of a coach.

[James H. Henry]

Some people have such vitriol. For those who don't know, that means anger. Grow up people. This guy Ford is doing some good. If he wasn't, you'd likely be all over him like a wet rag.

[Vernon]

Wish we had a guy like him in Aurora. We have politicians but they're only noticeable around election time. Great for the teams who can play thanks to him.

[Leroy R. McFarlane]

Ask any of the players at Don Bosco what they think of Rob Ford and you would swear he's like a father to all of them. You have to wonder where many of these football players would end up after school is over if Ford hadn't stepped in. Give the guy a break.

[RapperJB]

You people who don't like Mr. Ford are haters. Get a life man because yur bad. Some of us players come from rough areas out here in Rexdale. Mr. Ford kept us in school because we couldnt play ball unless we got our grades. I have learned more from Mr. Ford than some of my teachers. One of myy buddies on the team last year went to a U.S. college because of Mr. Ford when nobody else cared about him.

[Hannan]

I thought the story about Rob Ford was very refreshing and provided readers with another side of a politician who cares about giving back to the community. I wonder where all the other politicians are hiding but then I am sure they have some snarky words or will try look for ways to jab Mr. Ford.

[James Burnaby]

Wonder what the Toronto school board would do if Ford shows up - not allow him in. That would really turn in to a circus. Likely Ford is too smart for these clowns and wouldn't even go.

[Nicholas]

Alright it's time for Mr. Chris Spence the new super director of the Board to step in and show us how he dances through this episode.

[Memphis]

Rob Ford is a blue collar guy in a white collar world and they hate him for it. He calls a spade a spade and works hard for the people in his community and the kids at Don Bosco. What other politician in the GTA can say the same? Go get'm Rob!

[Schoolteacher]

It is a nice gesture to offer up money and help kids out as long as he doesn't expect anything in return or does that sound like I am being a bit selfish.

[Munro]

$100,000 or so is quite a bit of penny-pinching. Just because he`s a politician, can`t hold that against him. To offer up money to help students play sports is a good deed.

[Munro]

Nice idea for Ford but I can just see the game involving Jefferys and Westview and wonder if police will be there to search for weapons as well as supervise.

[Bay Street]

I was just reading this on the front page of your website and wonder if school trustees aren`t behind kicking Fored between the legs. Tood bad because if that was me I wouldn`t give them another - penny.

[Horton]

Rob Ford finally did something positive and maybe the rest of those elected officials who gobble up our tax dollars can jump on the bandwagon.

[Jim]

New education director and already he's got egg on his face because of some individuals who should go back to school and learn their jobs again.

[Charles W.]

Come on, did you expect any better from the Toronto District School Board. They have a completely new group of PR people who are lost in their jobs but get paid a good buck. They should fire them and give the money to start up physical education programs. Remember them. Long gone. And we wonder why kids are fat, lazy and on the street.

[J. Chen]

I hope Mr. Ford reads this because I'm not a big fan of politicians but I do think he's very sensitive in helping students and build football. Now, if anyone can do the same for other school sports we might have less problems with our youth.

[Footballfan]

Keep going Mr. Ford. Add more school teams. Ignore the bureaucrats at the TDSB. I know what you have done because my son is on your team and I'm very happy.

[Chris R]

David Miller must be involved in this press conference or why else with the school board not invite Ford.