The Ontario government has introduced sweeping new legislation aimed at overhauling the province's education system, proposing significant changes to school board governance, student assessment, and teacher training. The bill, titled the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, was tabled at Queen's Park on Monday by Minister of Education Paul Calandra.
If passed, the legislation would grant the government greater control over school boards, which it says is necessary to address financial mismanagement and ensure the focus remains on student outcomes. The proposed changes include cutting the number of elected trustees at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) nearly in half, creating new unelected leadership positions, and making classroom attendance a component of high school students' final grades.
"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 in a statement. "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."
Sweeping changes to school board governance
A central feature of the proposed act is a significant restructuring of school board governance. The bill would limit the number of elected trustees on any single board to a maximum of 12. This change directly impacts the Toronto District School Board, which currently has 22 trustees, more than any other board in the province. Boards with fewer than 12 trustees will be capped at their current number.
The government claims this move is a response to governance issues and will reduce disruptions. "I wanted to make sure we removed the distractions that come from trustees from the system," Calandra told reporters, adding that the new role of a trustee will be "significantly reduced." He stated he would not hesitate to "refocus" the position further if needed.
Trustee powers and perks would also be curtailed. The act proposes limiting discretionary expenses and honoraria, and would require trustees to pay for their own membership fees to certain external organizations. This follows a recent controversy over pay raises for Members of Provincial Parliament.
The legislation would also reshape board leadership by replacing the Director of Education title with two new roles. A Chief Executive Officer (CEO), required to have business qualifications, would be responsible for financial and operational oversight. The CEO would then appoint a Chief Education Officer, who must have pedagogical qualifications, to focus on student achievement. The Minister of Education would have to approve the termination of a CEO, a measure the government says will prevent "reprisals and dismissals."
Shift in classroom and student assessment
Students would see significant changes in how their performance is measured. The bill mandates the return of written exams on official exam days for all students in Grades 9 through 12. Furthermore, attendance and classroom participation will become a formal part of the final mark for high school students, accounting for 15 per cent in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent in Grades 11 and 12.
To create a more uniform learning experience across the province, the ministry will mandate the use of government-approved learning resources in all classrooms. The government says this will support consistency in curriculum delivery and make it easier for teachers to access high-quality materials.
Amid unprecedented times, our government’s focus has never wavered: equipping students with in-demand skills to thrive in their careers and protect Ontario. If passed, this legislation would build a stronger, more efficient postsecondary system that is focused on meeting the needs of Ontario’s students, communities and economy.
Government aims to end "ongoing governance breakdowns"
The government has justified these extensive reforms by pointing to what it calls "ongoing governance breakdowns and financial mismanagement" in some English public and Catholic school boards. Since 2025, eight school boards, including the TDSB, have been placed under provincial supervision, with their elected trustees suspended. Similar issues have surfaced in Toronto, where council approves 2026 budget with 2.2% tax hike. The new legislation does not specify when, or if, those trustees will regain their powers, though a fall municipal election will still proceed.
The province stated that despite record investments in education, totalling $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding for 2025-26, issues persist. The government also noted that while recent EQAO results show progress in literacy, more work is needed in mathematics. These reforms build on the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, which had already expanded the ministry's oversight powers over school board finances and governance.
The bill also touches on teacher training and collective bargaining. It opens the door to shortening Bachelor of Education programs from two years to one, with a greater focus on in-classroom practicums. It would also designate the Council of Ontario Directors of Education as the central employer bargaining agency for English-language boards, a move intended to professionalize contract negotiations. This comes as some transit unions have been critical of other province-wide policies, such as the "One Fare" program.
The reforms are part of a broader provincial strategy that includes a massive expansion of jails and assuming control over major transit projects, like the Waterfront LRT, suggesting a pattern of centralizing authority at Queen's Park. The changes will also see the accountability mandate of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario absorbed into the ministry. Minister Calandra has made it clear that more changes could be forthcoming if boards do not align with the government's vision for education. "If further action is required to protect students and reinforce respect for the professionals who teach them, we will not hesitate to act," he said.
