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The TDSB has previously told the school community that Sketchley, who is in his mid-80s, would be moved to Harbord Collegiate Institute this September. The news triggered a petition and walkout by students who credit him with being the heart of the vibrant and inclusive space he helped found more than three decades ago.

The reversal, announced Tuesday, was directed by the supervisor appointed by the Ministry of Education, according to a statement from Jennifer Chan, the TDSB’s superintendent of education. In late June, the province took control of four boards, including the TDSB, due to concerns over financial mismanagement and governance.

The ministry did not wish to comment on the letter or why the supervisor intervened in a specific staffing issue, but the move has been seen as a way to address parent concerns given their level of upset over Sketchley’s unexpected transfer. It comes amid concerns as to how parent voices will be heard while the board is under provincial rule and their elected officials have no power.

“This is truly a win-win for our entire school community,� Katrina Matheson and Tasha Kheiriddin, chair and vice-chair of school’s advisory council, said in a statement. “This decision recognizes what matters most: our students. Their voices were heard, and their best interests remain at the heart of this decision.�

Dylan Follett, who just graduated  from Grade 12 at Rosedale, said students are happy with the outcome: Principal Sketchley “is so intrinsic to the school and letting him transition out properly is clearly what’s best for the students and administration of Rosedale.”

But Follett added he was “disappointed that it took the provincial takeover of the TDSB for anyone at a decision-making level to use common sense.”

Chan shared that Joseph Ghassibe, originally on tap to take over from Sketchley, will still transfer to Rosedale from his vice-principalship at Central Technical School. Ghassibe will act as “Centrally Assigned Principal — Transitions� to, according to Chan, support Rosedale students and staff and “select system initiatives related to transitions.�

This will bring the total number of administrators in September to four: two vice-principals in addition to the two principals, which according to the most recent Sunshine List, could cost the board about $613,000 at 2024 levels.

The school, located on Bloor Steet East, near Castle Frank Road, currently has about 1,000 students in grades 9 to 12.

The TDSB also announced Tuesday that the position at Harbord will be filled by Tania Camuti, the principal of Parkdale Collegiate Institute.

Matheson and Kheiriddin thanked the TDSB supervisor “for recognizing the importance of ... continuity,� adding that Sketchley’s return ensures stability and the kind of “thoughtful leadership that has made Rosedale a place where creativity, inclusivity and student growth thrive.�

At the time of the original announcement, the TDSB would not comment as to why Sketchley was being moved. Sketchley also told the Star he was not permitted to speak. In the absence of an explanation, rumours swirled including that he was being transferred due to his criticism over the board’s interest-based lottery admission policy to specialized programs.

The Star reached out to Sketchley after the news broke Tuesday, but he did not respond by deadline.

Meanwhile, Rosedale’s incoming student council president is overjoyed and relieved.

“I am very proud of our school’s collective advocacy for Mr. Sketchley and what he stands for,� said Anwyn Lillington, who is heading into Grade 12 in the fall. “I cannot wait to walk into school in September and see Mr. Sketchley waiting and greeting us as he’s always done.�