Proposed Ontario School Law Sparks Concern in Milton Over Local Control, Return of Police in Schools

By Nikhil Nikhil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

A proposed law by Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra has stirred debate in Milton’s education community, giving the province greater control over local school boards and mandating the return of school resource officers (SROs) in schools.

The legislation, introduced at Queen’s Park, aims to enhance student safety and strengthen partnerships between police and education communities. But it has raised alarm among parents, educators and students who fear the increased government oversight may reduce local input and exacerbate existing challenges in the education system.

The proposed legislation promises to promote student well-being and academic achievement, while addressing financial mismanagement by school boards, according to a provincial news release.

“We will work with our school boards to design a program that meets the needs of both the schools and students,” said Const. Ryan Anderson, media relations officer for Halton Regional Police.

Previously, local boards like the Halton District School Board had authority to make decisions tailored to their communities. Under the new law, the provincial education minister would be able to override those decisions based on broad definitions of “public interest,” effectively centralizing power.

“If the legislation is approved, one person will be in charge of decisions regarding local schools in Milton,” said René Jansen in de Wal, president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA). “We’ve seen nearly $4 billion in cuts over the last eight years. There are 3,500 fewer teachers, 2,000 schools in disrepair, and more violence in Milton schools.”

The Halton District School Board did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Jansen in de Wal also criticized what he called a lack of consultation with staff, students and community groups before the legislation was introduced. He said SRO programs should not be imposed.

“Milton shouldn’t be forced to adopt an SRO program. It might be good — or it could turn into a disaster,” he said.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the goal is to protect students across the province.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of students across Ontario is a top priority,” Kerzner said in a press release. “By requiring school boards to implement SRO programs where offered by local police services, we would be taking a significant step toward protecting Ontario schools and students.”

Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, also voiced support.

“SROs play a crucial role in building trust, safety and mentorship within our schools,” Baxter said. “The Ontario government’s decision to support and mandate SRO programs is a significant step toward building stronger, safer communities.”

The legislation would also require boards to track individual expenses, tighten rules for children’s aid societies, and ensure greater transparency in post-secondary admissions and fees. Admission to post-secondary institutions would be based strictly on merit.

Anderson said police are committed to working closely with school boards to ensure that any police presence builds safety and trust among students from diverse backgrounds.

As the changes take shape, some in Milton hope local voices will continue to be heard — and that student well-being remains at the centre of education policy decisions.