Barrie 
Ontario is proposing a significant shake-up to how school boards operate, with a new bill aimed at tightening oversight and refocusing attention on student outcomes.
Credit: Ontario
The legislation, called the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, was introduced by Education Minister Paul Calandra. It comes at a time when the province says some boards are struggling with financial mismanagement and governance issues. Since 2025, eight boards have already been placed under provincial supervision.
At its core, the proposal tries to draw clearer lines around who is responsible for what. Trustees would face limits on expenses and honoraria, and boards would be capped at 12 elected trustees. There would also be tighter scrutiny over how public funds are used, including within board subsidiaries.
The current Director of Education position would shift to a Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for finances and operations, while a new Chief Education Officer would focus on student achievement. The CEO would also take the lead on budgets, with unresolved disputes sent to the minister for a final decision.
Inside classrooms, the government is pushing for more consistency. Schools would be required to use ministry-approved learning materials, and high school students would be subject to mandatory written exams on scheduled days. Attendance and participation would also count toward final grades, making up 15 per cent in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent in Grades 11 and 12.
Per the news release, the proposal builds on broader investments in education, including $30.3 billion in core funding for 2025 to 2026.
