Ontario Requiring New Student and Family Support Offices at Every School Board
Province says new offices will give parents clearer pathways to raise concerns and get faster resolutions
TORONTO — The Ontario government is introducing a new requirement for all school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices, creating a direct and structured pathway for parents and guardians to resolve concerns about their child’s education. The initiative is part of the province’s broader plan to strengthen school board accountability and refocus classrooms on student achievement.
Announced on November 13, 2025, the policy will require every publicly funded school board in Ontario to launch an office dedicated to helping families navigate complex or escalated issues after first speaking with their child’s teacher and principal.
“Better access for parents means better outcomes for students,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Student and Family Support Offices will give families clear answers and timely solutions when it comes to their child’s education.” He added that the measure supports the government’s ongoing work to overhaul what he described as an outdated governance structure so more resources reach classrooms.
Where Offices Will Launch First
Beginning January 2026, the new offices will open at all five supervised school boards:
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Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
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Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
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Thames Valley District School Board
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Toronto Catholic District School Board
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Toronto District School Board
Each office will be led by a supervisory officer and will publish contact and process details on its respective board website by January 19, 2026.
All remaining school boards must submit implementation plans by March 31, 2026, outlining how their offices will be established by September 1, 2026.
Better access for parents means better outcomes for students.
Our government is requiring school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices to give families clear answers and timely solutions when it comes to their child’s education. https://t.co/tM620fOqJp pic.twitter.com/ffxhmalkNg
— Paul Calandra (@PaulCalandra) November 13, 2025
How the New Offices Will Work
According to the province, Student and Family Support Offices will:
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Provide an additional escalation pathway for families after speaking with teachers and school administrators
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Acknowledge parent inquiries within two business days
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Aim to provide full responses within five business days
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Help direct existing resources toward more responsive support for students and families
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Improve public trust and school board accountability
The measure is intended to make Ontario’s education system more accessible for parents, reduce delays in resolving concerns, and ensure stronger oversight when governance challenges arise.
Part of a Broader Accountability Push
The initiative aligns with the government’s plan to build a more transparent and results-driven school system under its back-to-basics education strategy.
Key contextual elements include:
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A record $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding for 2025–26
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Introduction of Bill 33: Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, which—if passed—would strengthen oversight of school board finances, governance and performance
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The appointment of supervisors at five school boards due to deficits, reserve depletion and operational concerns
Officials say the new offices will help ensure that when concerns arise, families have a reliable mechanism to get help quickly.
What Parents Can Expect Next
Parents should look for updates from their respective school boards as the new offices are established. The province says the objective is a more consistent, transparent and accountable system that prioritizes student outcomes.
