The Hidden Risks of Removing Ontario’s School Board Trustees

A Big Change on the Horizon

The Ford government has floated the idea of getting rid of elected school board trustees. Education Minister Paul Calandra says this could fix mismanagement issues in some boards. But the idea raises big questions: who will speak for parents and local communities if trustees disappear?

Why Trustees Matter

Trustees are the local link between families and schools. They are elected by the community to make sure parents have a voice in decisions about education.

They represent families. If your child has a problem at school, your trustee is someone you can call.
They understand local needs. Every school and every neighbourhood is different. Trustees know those differences because they live in the community.
They bring accountability. Trustees make sure school boards answer to the people they serve, not just the government.

For example, at the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), trustees help shape important programs and decide how resources are shared across schools in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Stouffville. Without trustees, families in YCDSB and other boards would lose that local voice.

What Happens If Trustees Are Removed?

1. Parents lose their voice

If trustees are gone, parents will have no elected representative to speak up for them. Decisions will be made by provincial officials or appointed supervisors—people who may never set foot in your child’s school.

2. Vulnerable families may be left behind

Groups like the Ontario Autism Coalition point out that many parents rely on trustees to help when their child struggles. Without that connection, kids with special needs could face more barriers and fewer supports.

3. Centralized control means one-size-fits-all decisions

Local boards make decisions based on their communities. But if everything is controlled by Queen’s Park, schools across Ontario will be treated the same—even though their challenges are very different.

4. Lessons from history

Back in 2002, the province took over the Toronto District School Board and installed a supervisor. The result? Cuts to programs, counsellors, and supports. That shows what can happen when local voices are pushed aside.

5. Parents are already frustrated

In Toronto, some parents say they’re angry because they can no longer reach their trustee for help. That frustration could grow if the change becomes province-wide.

What It Means for Special Education

The loss of trustees would hit special education families the hardest. Many parents of children with autism, ADHD, or other learning needs rely on their trustee when school supports aren’t enough.

Trustees often act as a bridge between parents and the board, helping families get answers about Individual Education Plans (IEPs), classroom accommodations, or extra support staff.
They also make sure special education dollars are spent where they’re needed most, instead of being swallowed up by broader budget cuts.
Without trustees, parents would have to deal directly with the provincial system, which is slower, less personal, and far removed from the day-to-day reality in classrooms.

Groups like the Ontario Autism Coalition have already warned that this change could mean more kids being excluded from classrooms or going without the supports they need to succeed. For many families, trustees aren’t just elected officials—they’re lifelines.

Why This Matters

Education isn’t just about policies—it’s about kids, families, and communities. Trustees give parents a seat at the table.Removing them risks creating a system that’s less democratic, less responsive, and less supportive.

Boards like YCDSB show how trustees connect with parents through Catholic School Councils, community meetings, and local advocacy. Without them, families would lose that trusted path to raise concerns and shape their children’s education.

Final Thoughts

The Ford government says this change could solve problems, but it could also create bigger ones.

Parents may lose their say in their children’s education.
Communities may be silenced.
Vulnerable students may be left without the support they need.

Ontario schools work best when families and communities are part of the decision-making process. Removing trustees takes us further away from that goal.