Ontario’s proposed Bill 101 would introduce changes affecting English-language school boards. Dolores Barbini and Grant Nuttall review what the Bill says, what it does not say (but has been signalled), and the practical implications for school board employers.
Industry: School Boards
Bill 101 Tabled: Would Change Governance and Operations of School Boards
On April 13, 2026, the Ontario government tabled Bill 101 (Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026), aimed at strengthening school board oversight and accountability. We’re monitoring the bill’s progress and will continue to share updates as it moves through the legislative process.
Ontario Overhauls Background Checks For School Board Personnel
Ontario has introduced new background check requirements for school boards under Ontario Regulation 298/25. Dolores Barbini and Andrew Movrin explore what boards can do now to ensure compliance.
Final Report Released on PowerSchool Cyberattack
The final report on the PowerSchool cyberattack is out – and the findings reveal insights into the breach and a series of compliance recommendations. Victoria McCorkindale offers a clear look at what happened and what should happen next to prevent future incidents.
Ontario Government Mandates New “Student and Family Support Offices” For All School Boards
Ontario has mandated new “Student and Family Support Offices” across all school boards. In this School Board Update, Dolores Barbini explores the expectations associated with the Offices and how boards can prepare for the transition.
Lessons in Labour Relations for School Board Employers
Recent arbitration rulings and initiatives are reshaping how Ontario school boards interpret key employment and education provisions. In this School Board Update, Brittany Bates, Jordynne Hislop and Vincent Panetta will review the decisions and discuss how they provide guidance for school boards in refining policy frameworks.
School Boards Take Note: Arbitrator Finds Class Size Maxima Still Apply to Mainstream Classes with Special Needs Students Expecting to Receive Less than Full Credit
In this School Board Update, Hicks Morley’s Michael Hines and Brittany Bates review the recent decision in Avon Maitland District School Board v Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, where Arbitrator Robert Herman concluded that standard class size maxima pursuant to the collective agreement still apply even when mainstream classes include special needs students expecting to receive less than full credit.
Arbitrator Upholds For-Cause Termination of Tenured University Professor for Sexual Harassment of Graduate Student
In a significant decision for post-secondary institutions, Arbitrator Leslie Reaume has upheld the for-cause termination of a tenured university professor at Brock University for the sexual harassment of a graduate student. The ruling sends a clear message that the power imbalance in supervisory relationships is not an invitation for inappropriate conduct. Sexually charged and personally…
The Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Another Caution to Employers Drafting Employment Contracts: Actual Language is Paramount—Not Intent
In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Court upheld the lower court’s decision finding that the termination clause in the employment contract was offside of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and that as a result, the employee was entitled to common law reasonable notice.
Holiday Party Best Practices: A Guide for Employers
The holiday season is a time for people to come together and celebrate. For many of us, this may include workplace parties. With seasonal festivities and holidays just around the corner, it’s that time of year again to consider the proactive steps employers can take to ensure the health and safety of employees who attend…