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- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Education Minister Reverses Stance on Trustee Swearing-In
Ontario's Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has announced that school board trustees—including those at boards currently under government supervision—will be officially sworn in. This decision comes after initial indications that re-elected and newly elected trustees would not be sworn in, following provincial interventions in several school boards.
Background: Boards Placed Under Supervision
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Ontario government had placed eight school boards under supervision. Among those are the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic School Board. The decision to place the boards under supervision has resulted in trustees being stripped of their governance powers for the time being. This action followed the most recent school board elections held on Monday.
Trustee Meetings and Community Engagement
Despite having no current governing authority, some trustees had planned to meet with families and communities. Plans included holding gatherings in public spaces such as libraries and community centres, and even live-streaming meetings to allow greater parent participation. While these gatherings were meant as opportunities for open dialogue, Education Minister Calandra expressed concerns about trustees seeking to engage with constituents outside the established code of conduct.
Emphasis on Code of Conduct
Minister Calandra highlighted the importance of trustees adhering to the code of conduct, even while their official governance powers remained suspended. He stated, “What they immediately decided to do was work outside the code of conduct, set aside that they are still responsible and could at one point be responsible for governing a board, and find loop holes around doing the right thing.” The Minister clarified that trustees who proceed with such unsanctioned meetings may be reported to the integrity commissioner for investigation.
Process for Swearing In and Governance Structure
Minister Calandra has now instructed board supervisors and CEOs to ensure the new trustees are sworn in by November 15. This will make them subject to the code of conduct, though the supervisors will continue to manage the affairs of the boards until the province lifts its oversight. As a result, the timing of the first official board meetings will be delayed, with actual governance authority remaining with the appointed supervisors.
Trustee Perspectives on Community Representation
Despite these developments, some trustees remain committed to engaging with their constituents. Alexis Dawson, a trustee with the Toronto District School Board, stated, “We certainly can have public meetings with our constituents. We can participate in rallies, we can participate in community events. We are still elected by our communities and we’re still able to represent them through various channels.”
Ongoing Role of Trustees Under Supervision
While trustees will regain their official titles and responsibilities with the swearing-in, substantive board governance will remain under provincial supervision until further notice. The Ontario government has not specified when full governance may be returned to the elected trustees.
Related coverage
Source: toronto.citynews.ca.
