The provincial government has proposed a new plan that would give it more control over Ontario's school boards in an effort to improve student achievement and training for education directors.
On Monday, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce laid out the tabled legislation proposed through The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act.
If passed, the bill would impose new guidelines would allow the province to have a larger say in things such as ensuring new teachers and educators have the skills required to teach students effectively in math, reading and literacy and establish training standards for directors of eduction and school board trustees.
Additionally, the Ministry would require the province's 72 school boards to publicly report on progress that reflect's the province's education priorities, strengthen rules around financial accountability and transparency of school board-controlled projects.
There are around 700 elected school trustees across Ontario who make decisions for their school boards, manage the day-to-day operations of schools, student transportation, capital projects, along with the oversight of hiring teachers, education workers and administrators.
The province acknowledged that while school board leadership is critical to keep things running smoothly, it has noted some inconsistencies, required the need for more regulation.
"Our proposed legislation would centre the education system on preparing students to succeed in life and work, putting more highly qualified educators in the classroom while ensuring parents have the information they need at their fingertips to support their kids," said Lecce in a statement released Monday. "These reforms would ensure students graduate with a competitive advantage while learning modern lessons in modern schools, preparing them for the jobs of the future."
Currently, school boards maintain their own education priorities, which the province said has resulted in differing results across the public education system, such as underperforming in EQAO data.
The Ministry said it also takes an average of five to 10 years to build a standard school in Ontario and over 100 days to certify internationally educated teachers. The provincial government said it will work with the Ontario College of Teachers and faculties of education to modernize teacher training and certification to decrease the amount of time it takes to certify teachers.
The plan will also give the government the first say when it comes to school boards selling off underutilized properties that could potentially be used to support other provincial priorities, such as affordable housing, and long-term care spaces.
"Our mission is simple: drive continuous improvement to Ontario's education system so that we graduate the brightest, most ambitious, skilled and entrepreneurial students in the country," said Lecce. "We are sending a signal across the province: we must – and we will – do better to ensure your children get a quality education that leads them to a good-paying job, home ownership and a life of opportunity."
Over the weekend, the Ministry of Education announced a $180 million investment for a new literacy plan and numeracy supports, which includes 1,000 additional teaching and educator positions aimed at supporting students who continue to struggle with post-pandemic learning challenges.
