Ontario’s education system could see one of its biggest shakeups in decades as the province reviews whether to eliminate elected school trustees.
Education Minister Paul Calandra says the current governance model is outdated and changes may be needed to improve student outcomes and ensure more money flows directly to classrooms.
Supervisors have already taken control of five major school boards, removing trustees from decision-making while working to fix financial problems and avoid deficits.
Calandra told municipal leaders at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference that centralization and greater consistency across the province are being considered.
The review could lead to removing trustees before the next scheduled elections in October 2026.
Opposition MPP John Fraser says the government’s underfunding and centralization have created problems for Ontario’s 72 public and Catholic school boards.
Calandra acknowledged many trustees work hard but says reforms are needed to better support students.