Ontario Introduces Legislation to Hold School Boards Accountable and Support Student Achievement
April 13, 2026
Proposed changes would strengthen oversight, ensure consistent learning resources and direct every dollar into classrooms
Education
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TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026,
“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,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “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.”
Despite Ontario’s record investments in education, 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 and the recent Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results show that while there has been progress in reading, writing and math, there is still more work to be done.
Ontario is taking decisive action to put an end to ongoing governance breakdowns and financial mismanagement in English public and English Catholic district school boards by proposing changes that would clearly define roles, strengthen accountability and close the gaps that have allowed failures in oversight. Through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, the government is putting students first by proposing changes that would:
Strengthen governance and accountability
Ensure more consistent learning experiences
This proposed legislation builds on the government’s work to strengthen school board oversight and accountability to help ensure they deliver high-quality education, with every dollar spent focused on preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.
Quick Facts
Ontario is providing historic levels of education funding in 2025-26, with an investment of $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding to focus key resources where they matter most: on student success.
The government is providing $16.8 million over three years to support Associate Teachers with an honorarium, recognizing their role in mentoring teacher candidates and expanding practicum opportunities.
On March 11, 2026 , the Ontario government launched the Classroom Supplies Fund to provide elementary school homeroom teachers with direct access to $750 in funding each school year for classroom supplies. This will make it easier for elementary teachers to order what they need, ensuring consistent access to supplies in every classroom across the province.
The government requires all school boards to establish the Student and Family Support Offices by September 1, 2026, to provide parents and guardians with a clear way to get help on their child’s education and help resolve concerns that require escalation beyond the teacher and principal.
In November 2025, Ontario passed the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025 Education Act to simplify, streamline and broaden the Minister of Education’s powers of oversight, including over school board finances, governance and program performance.
When school boards fail to meet their responsibilities, the government has not hesitated to act. Eight school boards are currently under supervision to address concerns regarding growing deficits, depleting reserves and ongoing cases of mismanagement.
As announced on April 10 , to further focus K-12 education on the needs of students and families, this legislation would enable the shortening of teacher programs from a two-year program to a one-year, consecutive program that is focused on in-classroom learning.Following the introduction of a historic $6.4-billion new funding model, the government has modernized and strengthened the province’s Strategic Mandate Agreements with each postsecondary institution to include stringent performance metrics. To reduce duplication and administrative burden, the government is proposing to absorb the accountability and performance mandate of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario into the ministry through this legislation.
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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.
– Nolan Quinn
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
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