Below is a year-end message to TDSB families from the Minister of Education.
Wishing you all a happy and restful holiday season!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As Ontario’s Minister of Education, my priority is straightforward: ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I am writing to provide an update on the supervision of the Toronto District School Board and the work underway to refocus the board on student achievement and accountability.
Supervision was put in place because trustees were not delivering the outcomes students deserve or demonstrating the level of financial and governance responsibility that parents and taxpayers expect. When that happens, the province has a responsibility to step in and act.
Supervision is a proactive measure that allows for stronger oversight and clearer accountability. Through supervision, the province’s intent is to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of students and that resources are directed where they matter most, supporting learning in the classroom
Progress at Toronto District School Board
I want to recognize the leadership of Rohit Gupta, whose work has been focused on restoring accountability and improving outcomes for students.
Under his direction, we are seeing early signs of progress. For example, the board has:
• Redirected millions of dollars into classrooms by freezing non-school-based hiring and eliminating central positions with limited impact on students to focus resources where they matter most.
• Reformed admissions for specialized programs by implementing a merit-based process that recognizes student achievement.
• Set clear standards for responsiveness to parents, requiring principals and superintendents to acknowledge parent inquiries within 48 hours and provide a path forward as soon as possible.
• Stabilized classrooms and reduced disruption for students by refocusing fall class reorganization on core priorities and redirecting staff to maintain continuity for tens of thousands of students.
• Strengthened accountability and decision-making by streamlining approvals for budgets, hiring, and student-facing programs, accelerating action and improving coordination across the board.
These steps reflect a renewed focus on student achievement and responsible decision-making, as well as the dedication of educators, staff, and community members who are working together to create a more responsive and effective education system.
Looking Ahead
My expectations remain clear. Supervision must continue to strengthen financial oversight, improve governance, and deliver better learning outcomes for students. Closing learning gaps and ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed must remain the priority.
To better support families during this transition, I have directed the supervisor to open a Student and Family Support Office at the Toronto District School Board by mid-January. This office will provide parents and guardians with a clear point of contact and direct access to information and assistance.
You will continue to receive updates from the ministry and the board as this work continues. I encourage you to stay engaged, ask questions, and share your perspectives. Together, we will ensure students receive the high-quality education they deserve to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Paul Calandra
Minister of Education