July 23, 2025 - Message to Parents from the Supervisor of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
On June 27, the Minister of Education placed the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) under supervision as a result of recurring financial deficits. The operating challenges facing the board go beyond budgeting.
Despite the dedicated efforts of teachers and staff, confidence among parents in the OCDSB has declined. Many believe the board lost focus on the fundamentals of education — impacting both trust and student enrollment.
As the OCDSB Supervisor, I am mandated by the Minister of Education to ensure the financial sustainability of the District. However, my top priority is student success and well-being. Achieving this requires strong engagement from staff — especially teachers — and from parents. It also requires that we direct our resources to where they matter most: the classroom.
As I told school leaders, I work for the students, and by extension, their parents. This also means supporting educators, those who have chosen one of the most meaningful careers in society.
Since being appointed, I have met with central board staff, representatives of principals and vice-principals, the federation of nine unions serving the District, some trustees, many parents, incoming and outgoing student trustees, as well as individual teachers, students and other front-line staff.
I am sharing some updates with you that emerged from these early conversations:
1) Elementary Program Review Implementation
I know that the community continues to closely follow the status of the Elementary Program Review (EPR). Conversations are continuing with the ministry about this, and I will update you as soon as I have news to share. While the discussion continues, I want to assure parents that no students will be required to move schools for the 2025–2026 school year.
2) Student Assessments in Grades 9 and 10
The District is one of the few boards in Ontario that does not include exams or summative assessments in grades 9 and 10. Although the OCDSB has had final evaluations in grades 9 and 10, those evaluations have not included a final exam, which will better prepare them for more consequential evaluations in grades 11 and 12. Following a review of our Student Success Days and feedback from teachers and parents, I have directed staff to reintroduce exams or summative assessments in grades 9 and 10, beginning in September 2025. This practice will ensure students are prepared for their next courses or post-secondary pursuits.
3) Open Consultation
Although supervision means elected trustees have no decision-making authority, I have asked staff to take extra steps to ensure the District remains open and responsive to parents, students, and the broader community. Supervision is not just a change in governance — it’s an opportunity to move quickly and make the positive changes our students need and deserve.
I welcome your input. Please feel free to contact me directly at supervisor@ocdsb.ca.
Robert Plamondon
Supervisor, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board