ONTARIO
Province Taking Action to Restore School Board Financial Stability

Following recommendations resulting from investigations into the finances of four school boards, the Ontario government is appointing supervisors to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB). These supervisors will address concerns regarding growing deficits, depleting reserves and ongoing cases of mismanagement. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, these actions will help the province restore sound financial management at these school boards and ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.

"Each of these boards has failed in its responsibilities to parents and students by losing sight of its core mission ensuring student success," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "We're strengthening oversight and accountability so that parents can have the confidence that every dollar is spent responsibly to directly benefit students. I have made it clear that if a school board veers off its mandate, I will take action to restore focus, rebuild trust and put students first."

Ontario continues to provide record funding for education, including $30.3 billion in education funding in 2025-26, $2 billion to renew and improve schools, and $1.3 billion through the Capital Priorities program to support new schools and expansions. Operating funding provides transparent and equitable support across all school boards that reflects the uniqueness of students and communities across the province. Individual school boards determine how to allocate their funding and are expected to budget responsibly and focus resources on students.

Individual investigations concluded that each of these boards should be placed under supervision due to growing deficits and depleting reserves. Each board has exhibited instances of mismanagement and poor decision-making that put its long-term financial health at risk, including the following:

• Over the past two years, the TDSB rejected 46 per cent of proposed cost-savings brought forward by management. The board also relies heavily on unsustainable proceeds from asset sales to balance its books.
• The TCDSB tripled its in-year deficit compared to last year and is at risk of default in the coming years, with further concerns regarding the lack of a financial recovery plan.
• The OCDSB has completely depleted its reserves, incurred an accumulated deficit, and plans to use unsustainable proceeds from asset sales to balance its books.
• The DPCDSB is at risk of financial default by August 31, 2025, which would lead the board to default on payments and financial obligations.

The appointed supervisors bring extensive experience in government, financial management and public accountability, and were selected for their strong track records of leadership and oversight. These supervisors will represent the ministry's vested control, overseeing and managing the administration of the boards, including financial management, policy implementation and operational oversight. They will provide the ministry with regular updates on their work, focus on addressing the deteriorating financial positions of the boards and identify where they can implement savings measures and improve operational efficiencies.

These actions reflect the government's continued focus on upholding public trust in Ontario's publicly funded education system and are a part of the government's plan to build a strong, accountable and well-supported public education system with a back-to-basics approach that is focused on improving student outcomes.

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