Ontario sets new mandatory qualifications for school board Directors of Education and Chief Education Officers

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

This new regulation establishes the qualifications that English-language district school boards must meet when appointing or hiring a Director of Education or a Chief Education Officer. A Director of Education must have led an organization of comparable size and complexity in the public or private sector, and must have executive-level experience across six specific areas including budget stewardship, labour relations, and governance. A Chief Education Officer must have executive experience in areas such as educational program delivery, organizational leadership, and supporting student achievement; membership in the Ontario College of Teachers satisfies one qualification, but an equivalent leadership background in education administration can substitute. Individuals already serving as Director of Education when the regulation takes effect may remain in the role without meeting the new qualifications until their current contract expires, employment is terminated, or the end of 2032, whichever comes first. School boards should review upcoming appointment processes and existing employment contracts against these new criteria.

Who this affects: English-language district school boards · current and prospective Directors of Education · current and prospective Chief Education Officers · school board trustees and governance bodies