Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025. It is no longer a proposed bill. The law amended several statutes; for school families, the Education Act changes are the most relevant.
Quick answer
What changed for school boards?
The Act broadened and simplified provincial oversight powers, added Ministry and internal audit provisions, enabled provincial direction on board expense policies, created requirements concerning police access and school programs, and required Minister approval for new school names or name changes. The exact effect of some provisions depends on regulations and implementation.
School board oversight
The amended Education Act gives the Minister stronger control when a board is placed under supervision. It also changes the legal framework for orders, financial control and ending supervision. YCDSB’s March 2026 supervision is a concrete example of these powers being used.
Financial audit and expense controls
- The Act adds authority for Ministry auditors and internal auditors alongside existing external-audit structures.
- It allows the Minister to establish policies or guidelines for school board expense policies.
- Families can ask how new controls affect public reporting, audit findings and corrective action.
Police access and school programs
The Act requires boards to work with local police services, including access to school premises, participation in programs and implementation of school resource officer programs where available, subject to regulations and provincial policies or guidelines. Parents should look for the board’s actual implementation details rather than assuming one uniform model.
School naming approval
Boards must apply to the Minister before naming a new school or changing an existing school’s name. The Minister may approve with conditions or reject the proposal. Local consultation may still occur, but the final statutory approval now includes the province.
Questions parents can ask
- Which provisions are already in force and which depend on regulations?
- What local policy or procedure has changed?
- How will privacy, safety, equity and denominational rights be protected?
- What data will show whether the change improves student outcomes?
- Where can families read decisions, audits and implementation reports?
Separate facts from opinion
Government statements, opposition arguments, union materials and community commentary may emphasize different risks or benefits. Begin with the final Act and official implementation documents, then evaluate claims against the text and actual outcomes.
Official sources
This is a dated policy or financial topic. Verify the latest law, order, budget and board notice before relying on it.
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Bill 33
- Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025
- Ontario Gazette notice of Royal Assent
Related parent guides
Last reviewed: July 20, 2026. Independent parent information and not an official YCDSB or Ontario government publication.