Ontario Launching New Student and Family Support Offices at Every School Board

The Ontario government is requiring school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices, so parents and guardians have a clear, effective way to get help regarding their child’s education and find solutions faster. The offices will act as an additional way to help families get answers on broader community concerns, as well as contentious or complex issues that need to be escalated after speaking with the school. This initiative is one more way the government is delivering on its broader plan to make school boards more accountable and focused on student success with a back-to-basics approach that strengthens student achievement and prepares them for rewarding careers.

“Better access for parents means better outcomes for students,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Student and Family Support Offices will give families clear answers and timely solutions when it comes to their child’s education. We’re going to continue overhauling an outdated school board governance model so that more resources go into classrooms, teachers have better support and students have the best chance to succeed.”

Student and Family Support Offices will open in January 2026 at each of the five supervised school boards: Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board and Toronto District School Board. Further details will be available on each of these school boards’ websites by January 19, 2026.

All other school boards will be expected to submit a report by March 31, 2026, outlining how they will establish an office by September 1, 2026. Each office will be led by a supervisory officer.

Student and Family Support Offices will review concerns raised by families to help resolve matters that need to be escalated following initial engagement with a child’s teacher and principal. As part of their mandate, offices will streamline the feedback process to acknowledge inquiries within two business days and aim to provide a response within five business days. This will make the education system more responsive and accessible for families by ensuring existing resources can be directed to help students, parents and families navigate the education system and make sure their concerns are addressed.

These actions reflect the government’s continued focus on upholding public trust in Ontario’s publicly funded education system and are 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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