Date: June 29, 2026

To: Chief Executive Officers/Directors of Education

From: Rupert Gordon, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy and Planning Division

Subject: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Education Officer (CEdO) Qualifications and Transition Provision 

The government has made a new regulation under the Education Act to support recent amendments made by the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026. This regulation applies only to English-language district school boards and will come into force on July 1, 2026. 

The regulation sets out required qualifications for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), (previously referred to as the Director of Education) as well as transition provisions with regard to when the CEO qualifications become effective for individuals already employed as CEOs in English-language district school boards. The regulation also sets out required qualifications for the Chief Education Officer (CEdO) and establishes an equivalent qualification to Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) membership for CEdO employment. For more details, see O. Reg. 206/26.

Additionally, as of July 1, 2026, the Education Act requires English-language district school boards to appoint a CEdO. The individual appointed as CEdO must have the qualifications set out in the Act and regulation.

As employers, school boards are obligated to adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements. When statutes and regulations change, school boards are responsible for determining whether updates to local policies, governance processes, and leadership structures are required.

If further information is required, please communicate with your ministry program contact for matters pertaining to board leadership and governance.

Sincerely,

Rupert Gordon

Assistant Deputy Minister