You raised a problem with the principal and nothing changed, or the answer was only verbal. Ontario gives parents a clear ladder to climb. Each step works best when the one before it is in writing.
Step by Step
1Put it in writing to the principal. Email the principal with dates, what happened, and what you are asking for. Ask for a written reply. A verbal promise is hard to rely on later.
2Use the law on notification. If your child was harmed by bullying, a threat, an assault or a similar activity, section 300.3 of the Education Act requires the principal to tell you what happened, the harm, and the steps taken to keep your child safe. Name the section in your email.
3Go to the superintendent. Every school has a superintendent of education above the principal. Find the name on your school's page on the board website, email them, and copy the principal. Attach your earlier emails.
4Then the Director of Education. If the superintendent doesn't resolve it, write to the board's Director of Education (the board's most senior staff member) or its equivalent senior executive. Follow your board's parent concern procedure. At the TDSB, that is the Parent Concern Protocol (PR505).
5Last resort: the Ontario Ombudsman. If the board's process is finished and you are still not satisfied, complain to the Ombudsman online, by phone at 1-800-263-1830, or by email at info@ombudsman.on.ca. It is free.
Who Does What
| Who | When to contact |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Classroom issues, first contact |
| Principal | Safety, discipline, school decisions |
| Superintendent | Principal didn't resolve it |
| Director of Education | Superintendent didn't resolve it |
| Ontario Ombudsman | Board process finished, still unresolved |
If the problem is a teacher's professional misconduct rather than a school decision, the Ontario College of Teachers handles it. Our guide on reporting a teacher explains how.
What to Ask For in Writing
- A written account of what happened and when.
- A safety plan: what will change, for example separation in class or supervision.
- Who was told: whether staff reported it to the principal, as section 300.2 requires.
- Support for your child, such as a school social worker.
- A meeting, with an interpreter if you need one.
- Copies of records about your child, under Ontario's access-to-information law (MFIPPA).
Write a clear, firm email to the principal or superintendent, citing the right sections.
Draft It With Asya →Frequently Asked
Who is above a school principal in Ontario?
The superintendent of education who oversees the school's family of schools. Above the superintendent is the school board's Director of Education. Your school's page on the board website usually lists its superintendent.
Does the principal have to tell me what happened to my child?
Yes, in many cases. Under section 300.3 of Ontario's Education Act, if the principal believes a student was harmed by certain serious activities, such as bullying or assault, the principal must tell the parent the nature of the activity, the harm, and the steps taken to protect the student, including any discipline.
When can I complain to the Ontario Ombudsman about a school board?
After you have used the board's own complaint process. The Ombudsman is an office of last resort and has overseen Ontario school boards since September 1, 2015. You can complain online, by phone at 1-800-263-1830, or by email at info@ombudsman.on.ca.
Can a TDSB trustee help with my complaint?
Not while the board is under provincial supervision. The TDSB says that during supervision the powers of trustees rest with the provincially appointed supervisor, and trustees have no official duties with the board. Escalate to the superintendent and the Director of Education instead.
Sources & Verification
Figures and rules in this article come from official sources:
- Ontario — Education Act, ss. 300.2–300.4 (reporting and notifying parents)
- Ontario Ombudsman — begins taking complaints about school boards (Sept. 1, 2015)
- Toronto District School Board — Trustee wards and provincial supervision
- Toronto District School Board — Find your school (principal and superintendent)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.