From workplace safety and accommodation to arbitration innovation and equity in education, the Hicks Morley team will be speaking at OPSBA’s Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium on April 23-24.
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 Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA): Public Education Symposium 2026
Protecting physical safety in today’s special education environment is more challenging than ever. Hicks Morley’s Sean Reginio will cover the evolving legal considerations through complex case studies and real-world examples at OPSBA’s Public Education Symposium on January 24.
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.
Ontario Catholic School Business Officials Association (OCSBOA): Annual Conference 2025
As part of the program, Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell will be presenting on attendance management and a recent arbitration decision, providing practical insights for school broads and business officials.
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.
School Board Management Conference: The New Rules of School Board HR
From new leave entitlements and Human Rights Tribunal changes to Charter rights and precedent-setting arbitration awards, the Human Resources landscape for Ontario school boards is shifting fast. Our School Board Management conference will equip you with the must-know updates and strategies you need to stay compliant and prepared.