Trustees vote to rename Brantford school following controversial Italy trip

The future site of St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School in Brantford, Ont. on Nov. 27, 2024.

The school at the heart of a scandal involving trustees with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board is getting a new name.

Trustees voted to change the name of Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School at a meeting on June 23.

“Trustees recognized that ongoing discussion surrounding the school’s current name had, for some, detracted from the excitement and anticipation associated with opening a new Catholic secondary school,” read a statement from Board Chair Carol Luciani. “As we prepare for its opening, we want the conversation to be centred on student success, faith formation, school spirit, and the many opportunities this new Catholic secondary school will provide.”

The controversy started in 2024 when four school board trustees flew to Italy to buy religious artwork for St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School in Brantford, Ont. and Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School in Caledonia, Ont.

A review of that trip revealed Richard Petrella, Dan Dignard, William Chopp and Mark Watson spent the board’s money on luxury cars, high-end hotel stays and fancy dinners at a Michelin star restaurant.

The price tag for those expenses, plus the artwork, was estimated at $190,000.

On April 23, 2025, Education Minister Paul Calandra ordered the trustees to reimburse the school board for the expenses they racked during the trip. Petrella, Dignard and Chopp all agreed to the demand, but Watson never paid his $12,370 portion. Calandra introduced legislation in October 2025 to fire the trustee but, five days later, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board announced Watson’s resignation. The education minister said it was long overdue.

“Mr. Watson still owes the board thousands in taxpayer dollars, and I expect him to pay it back,” Calandra said in a statement on Oct. 24, 2025. “Those funds should be supporting student achievement, not paying for lavish all-inclusive European summer vacations for out of touch school board trustees.”

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Construction is still underway at the now former Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School on Powerline Road.

“The naming process will begin in the fall of 2026,” Luciani wrote in her statement. “Students, families, staff, parish representatives, and community members will have an opportunity to participate in the process.”

She added trustees hoped the new name would inspire “pride among future students and families.”

Luciani did not say what would happen to the statue of St. Padre Pio and a large crucifix that were specifically purchased for the school on that infamous Italy trip.