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As Ontarians prepare to head to the polls on February 27, I urge voters to make public education a priority. The choices we make in this election will shape the future of our students, workforce, and communities, especially in a time of very real threats from our neighbours to the south.

Public education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. It gives students the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world and drives economic prosperity, equity, and innovation. Yet, in recent years, our education system has faced mounting pressures including outdated infrastructure, the need to modernize curriculum to reflect the realities of today’s world, and an inability to keep pace with the need for special education supports.

We also need to address the rising costs that are stretching school board budgets. Inflation has driven up expenses for student transportation, special education, and technological education, leaving school boards struggling to meet the needs of their communities. These are not optional services; they ensure that every student has access to the high-quality education they all deserve. Yet year-after-year, provincial funding hasn’t kept up. When adjusted for inflation, per-student funding is down nearly $800 since 2018.

I know governments today have tough choices to make, but public education is an essential investment that supports both our economy and our communities today and tomorrow.

Too many of Ontario’s schools are in urgent need of repairs and upgrades. Facilities are aging, with leaky roofs, outdated heating systems, and inadequate facilities that can hinder learning and compromise safety. Fixing these problems must be a priority.

Schools are more than places of learning—they’re community hubs that provide connection, safety, and growth. But too often, education is sidelined in political debates, viewed as a cost instead of an investment. This election gives us the chance to change that narrative.

We know investing in education pays off. Research shows that every dollar spent on high-quality education yields at least $1.30 in significant long-term benefits for individuals and society. When students get the support they need—whether through extra reading and math supports, access to school-based mental health resources, or equitable learning environments— they can thrive academically, socially, and economically. That success leads to a more skilled workforce, less social inequality, and a stronger economy.

An important part of that support is ensuring students aren’t trying to learn on an empty stomach. We welcomed the recent agreement that $108.5 million in new federal funding for student nutrition programs in Ontario. This will help break down barriers to learning by giving students access to the nutritious food they need to focus and succeed.

However, Ontario is still behind other provinces and territories. The Coalition for Healthy School Food found that we rank 10^th out of 13 in per-student nutrition funding. Right now, Ontario’s total funding works out to just $0.10 per student per day—far less than places like Prince Edward Island ($1.13) and British Columbia ($0.65).

The stakes have never been higher. While global events and economic uncertainties dominate headlines, we can’t lose sight of what really matters: preparing the next generation to meet these challenges. Students deserve schools that inspire and equip them for the future, but that requires government action and public support.

In my role, I work closely with trustees, educators, and communities who see firsthand how policy decisions affect students. They see the potential unlocked when investments are made—and the harm caused when education funding is reduced or misdirected.

This election, I urge every voter to ask candidates the tough questions: How will you prioritize public education? What will you do to close critical funding gaps in education?  How will you ensure every student—regardless of background, ability, or postal code—has an equal opportunity to succeed?

Ontario’s public education system is one of our greatest assets, especially at a time when the U.S. administration seems hellbent on inflicting economic pain on us, but it needs champions. On February 27, let’s make our voices heard. When we vote with education in mind, we’re voting for a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Ontario for all.

Kathleen Woodcock
President, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association