Education minister announces sweeping changes
Despite threats to eliminate the school board trustee position, elected trustees will remain, though with reduced responsibility and honorarium. Also, English school boards will be equipped with “accountable leadership” with two new roles.
The director of education, to be rebranded as the chief executive officer, must have business qualifications and will be responsible for financial and operational oversight. A chief education officer will be appointed by the CEO to focus on student achievement and must hold teacher and supervisory office certification.
Also, under the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 introduced by Education Minister Paul Calandra on April 13, the CEO will be required to lead budget development, while referring budget matters to the minister for decision when trustees are unable to reach an agreement and ensuring that the termination of the CEO requires minister approval to help prevent reprisals and dismissals while they’re carrying out their responsibilities.
Teachers will only be able to use ministry-approved resources to ensure consistency across the province. Calandra also announced some changes for high schools, including mandatory written exams on official exam days as opposed to culminating assignments, and making attendance and participation count for 10 to 15 per cent of final marks.
“Ontario’s education system must remain focused on its core responsibility: student success. In some school boards, that focus has been lost and students are paying the price,” Calandra said. “Ontario’s teachers and education workers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly every day to support students, often under challenging circumstances. They deserve stable, accountable leadership that supports their work and puts learning first. If further action is required to protect students and reinforce respect for the professionals who teach them, we will not hesitate to act.”
According to the government, too many boards are facing financial mismanagement, weak governance and decision making that prioritizes politics over student outcomes. Since 2025, eight school boards have been placed under provincial supervision, including the York Catholic District School Board.
Meanwhile, the province will also introduce legislation to condense teacher education programs to 12 months over three consecutive semesters, as opposed to the current model of four semesters spread out over two years, and see longer practicum placements in elementary and secondary schools.
If passed, all 14 public universities in Ontario that offer a teacher education program, along with three private universities, would transition to the new one-year model, with the first cohort starting in May 2027. The legislation would also allow the government to explore opportunities to recognize relevant prior learning and work experience for individuals pursuing a teaching career, including early childhood educator diplomas or youth work experience.
File photo of Minister of Education Paul Calandra, the Markham-Stouffville MPP.