April 13, 2026 l By William Emma
The Ontario government has introduced sweeping new legislation aimed at reshaping how school boards operate, significantly reducing the powers of elected trustees while increasing provincial oversight in an effort officials say will improve accountability and student outcomes.
The proposed law, introduced by Education Minister Paul Calandra, is designed to address what the government describes as ongoing governance failures and financial mismanagement in several school boards across the province.
Under the legislation, the authority of school board trustees would be curtailed, with new limits placed on their decision-making powers. The changes are intended to ensure that boards remain focused on student achievement rather than internal disputes or administrative issues.
The bill also includes measures to cap the number of trustees and introduce new oversight mechanisms, giving the provincial government greater ability to intervene in school board operations when necessary. Officials say this will help prevent financial mismanagement and restore public confidence in the education system.
In addition to governance reforms, the legislation proposes classroom-related changes, including adjustments to how students are evaluated. One notable proposal involves incorporating attendance into grading criteria for secondary school students, reflecting a broader push to improve engagement and accountability in schools.
The move follows a series of provincial interventions in school boards, where the government has stepped in to address budget deficits and administrative concerns. Critics, however, argue that the legislation undermines local democracy by weakening the role of elected trustees who represent community interests.
Education advocates and unions have also raised concerns about transparency, suggesting that the changes could centralize too much control within the provincial government while failing to address deeper issues such as funding, staffing shortages, and classroom resources.
The proposed reforms are part of a broader strategy by Premier Doug Ford’s government to restructure Ontario’s education system and ensure what it calls stronger accountability and efficiency across school boards.
As the legislation moves through the provincial legislature, it is expected to spark intense debate among educators, parents, and policymakers over the balance between government oversight and local control in Ontario’s public education system.