Student and Family Support Offices launched at School Board level

September 10, 2026 · 0 Comments

As students return to school this week and citizen candidates vie to be their communities’ next education trustees, there is a new way for parents to “raise concerns, get help, and find solutions faster.”

Ontario’s Ministry of Education announced last week the creation of Student and Family Support Offices in all of the Province’s 72 school boards.

The Ministry says it is a “clear, effective way” for parents to get “help regarding their child’s education, find solutions faster” and serve as an “additional way to help families get answers on broader community concerns, navigate complex issues, and receive the information and support they need.”

“Parents should have a clear and consistent way to raise concerns and get answers when it comes to their child’s education,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, in a statement. “We are strengthening accountability across our school boards and making sure families can get the support they need when they need it. Everything we are doing is focused on improving student achievement and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

While this office will be an extra layer for parents with children in the York Region District School Board, a similar office has been serving the York Catholic District School Board since the YCDSB was put under Provincial supervision in the 2025-2026 school year, and the role of the Trustee limited during this period.

“Student and Family Support Offices review concerns raised by parents to help address matters that need to be escalated following initial engagement with a child’s teacher and principal,” said the Ministry. “As part of their mandate, these offices streamline the response process for families by acknowledging inquiries within two business days and aiming to provide an answer within five business days. School boards are also expected to ensure responses to parent inquiries are conducted in a clear manner that is easily understood by a parent and include relevant and accurate information that addresses the specific inquiry.

“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 making sure their concerns are addressed. The Ministry of Education will collect information regularly from all 72 school boards to identify patterns and trends about the types of concerns parents are raising, helping to find ways to improve processes so students and families receive better support.”

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter