Ontario Moves to Restore School Board Finances, Appoints Supervisors in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel
Province says action needed to protect students and rebuild trust amid deficits, depleted reserves
TORONTO — The Ontario government is stepping in to oversee four of the province’s largest school boards, following investigations that revealed significant financial mismanagement and ballooning deficits. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) will each be placed under supervision by appointees from the Ministry of Education.
Education Minister Paul Calandra said the measures are necessary to ensure public confidence and to guarantee that every dollar invested in education supports students. “Each of these boards has failed in its responsibilities to parents and students by losing sight of its core mission — ensuring student success,” said Calandra. “We’re strengthening oversight and accountability so that parents can have the confidence that every dollar is spent responsibly to directly benefit students.”
Our government is taking decisive and necessary action to ensure our education system remains focused on what matters most: helping students succeed.
We’re appointing supervisors to four more boards to get them back on track. pic.twitter.com/UDMtKD4z74
— Paul Calandra (@PaulCalandra) June 27, 2025
According to the ministry, the supervisors appointed bring extensive experience in public accountability, financial management, and government oversight. They will be tasked with managing administration, improving financial practices, and recommending cost-saving measures to address deteriorating financial positions.
The government cited numerous issues uncovered by investigations, including boards rejecting cost-saving measures, tripling deficits, and using one-time asset sales to patch holes in their budgets rather than developing long-term plans. In some cases, boards are on the brink of defaulting on financial obligations by the end of summer.
The move comes as part of the province’s broader push to strengthen transparency and accountability in publicly funded education. The government recently introduced legislation that would enhance oversight of school board finances and governance, granting the minister the power to act swiftly in matters of public interest. Ontario continues to provide record funding for education, including $30.3 billion for 2025-26, alongside capital funding for school renewals and expansions.
The province says it remains committed to a back-to-basics approach focused on improving student achievement and preparing young people for the workforce with practical skills for stable, well-paying careers.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
