A special meeting Wednesday night for the Toronto District School Board to discuss some controversial findings lately. These centre around the Star investigation into the high costs for jobs performed by maintenance workers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters belonging to the Skilled Trades Council.

At the table for discussion, is whether to hold a public inquiry into questionable charges or have a forensic audit conducted to see if anything illegal has taken place.

Board staff is recommending a series of steps including the installation of GPS' on all board vehicles to effectively keep tabs on the skilled trades doing work at the public schools.

The hope is that it will bring greater transparency and accountability by the end of the year, according to school board chair Chris Bolton who was interviewed by the Star.

Another recommendation being looked at, is having changes to shifts so that morning and afternoon employees don't overlap, in the hopes of reducing the number of vehicles in the fleet.

The skilled trades workers are represented by Jimmy Hazel and his council. Bolton says changes will more than likely be required in the contract with the council, which expires on August 31.

(some files by D. Agar)