A recent Canadian Press report published by CP24 highlighted a decline in trustee candidates at several Ontario school boards under provincial supervision. It also included my perspective as a York Catholic District School Board trustee candidate in Markham: difficult circumstances make accountable governance and meaningful community representation more important—not less.
Published August 20, 2026 · Updated as election information changes
At a glance
- The Canadian Press report published by CP24 examined trustee participation at Ontario school boards under provincial supervision.
- YCDSB remains under provincial supervision. Most decisions normally made by trustees are currently exercised by the appointed supervisor, except denominational matters.
- Parents still deserve clear information, careful use of public funds and a strong local voice throughout the supervision period and beyond.
- My focus is accountable governance, dependable parent communication and safe, well-resourced classrooms.
What the CP24 report means for Markham
The Canadian Press report published by CP24 examined why some Ontario school-board races have attracted fewer candidates while several boards are under provincial supervision. I was interviewed in connection with the YCDSB trustee race in Markham.
My reason for running is straightforward. Supervision is meant to address serious financial and governance concerns, but it should not make parents, students and local communities feel less connected to the decisions affecting their schools. This is precisely when responsible public service, careful oversight and accessible communication matter most.
What does provincial supervision mean at YCDSB?
Ontario placed YCDSB under provincial supervision in March 2026. During supervision, the appointed supervisor exercises most of the decision-making authority that would ordinarily belong to the board of trustees. YCDSB has stated that denominational matters remain an exception.
This distinction matters. A trustee candidate should not promise powers that trustees do not currently possess. The responsible approach is to explain the limits honestly, stay engaged with families, follow public decisions closely and prepare for strong, transparent local governance when trustee authority is restored.
Why governance and community representation still matter
School-board governance is not only about votes at a board table. It is also about asking clear questions, understanding budgets, identifying recurring problems and making sure families can see how decisions connect to classrooms.
- Accountability: Families should be able to understand major financial and operational decisions without having to decode technical documents.
- Community representation: Markham parents need a reliable way to raise concerns, share practical experience and hear what happens next.
- Continuity: Local knowledge should not disappear during a period of provincial intervention.
- Readiness: When normal governance resumes, trustees should be prepared to act with discipline, transparency and a clear understanding of community priorities.
What I would focus on for Markham families
1. Clear and dependable parent communication
Parents should receive plain-language explanations of important board decisions, timelines and service changes. I would use regular public updates, accessible summaries and structured ways for families to share concerns. Read my first 100 days and parent communication plan.
2. Responsible budgeting and measurable priorities
Every dollar should be connected to a clear purpose, with understandable reporting on results. My experience as a volunteer treasurer reinforces the importance of controls, documentation and long-term planning. See what responsible YCDSB budgeting should look like for families.
3. Safe, welcoming and well-resourced classrooms
Student support should strengthen the learning environment for everyone. That means early planning, appropriate staff and resources, thoughtful responses to behaviour, and support that respects both individual needs and the safety and learning of the whole class. Read more about my approach to safe, well-resourced YCDSB classrooms.
What can be done while trustee powers are limited?
Even during supervision, a community representative can listen carefully, organize recurring concerns, direct families to reliable resources, attend public meetings, review published financial and governance materials, and communicate respectfully with the supervisor and ministry. The work should be evidence-based and should never create false expectations about current authority.
I will continue building the YCDSB Parent Resource Library and publishing timely explanations in School Board Updates. These resources are intended to help parents find practical information, follow important developments and understand how board decisions may affect their schools.
Frequently asked questions
Is YCDSB currently under provincial supervision?
Yes. Ontario placed the York Catholic District School Board under supervision in March 2026 and appointed Carrie Kormos as supervisor.
Who makes YCDSB decisions during supervision?
The supervisor currently exercises most decision-making authority normally held by trustees. According to YCDSB, denominational matters are an exception.
Why does the trustee election still matter?
The election determines who is entrusted to represent the community when trustee governance operates normally. During supervision, it also matters that families have a visible, informed local advocate who communicates honestly about what can and cannot be done.
The bottom line
Public trust must be earned through consistent work, honest communication and careful attention to community concerns. My commitment is to remain accessible, explain complex issues plainly and keep Markham families informed throughout the supervision period and whatever comes next.
Sources and further reading
Editorial note: This is Yan Zhou’s original response to reporting by The Canadian Press, published by CP24 on August 18, 2026. It summarizes and links to the report; it does not reproduce the original article.