Court Rules TDSB Broke the Law

CIJA and Parents Win Landmark Case for Accountability and Democracy in Schools

Toronto, ON – October 16, 2025 – Last week, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) acted beyond its legal authority under the Education Act when it unilaterally disbanded the 2024 Parent Council at Rawlinson Community School and imposed a new election. The Court’s decision affirms that school boards must follow the law and remain accountable to parents. School councils are essential to student success and public trust. This landmark ruling restores that accountability and sends a clear message: no board is above the law.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ (CIJA) Legal Task Force (LTF) supported Jewish parents whose valid concerns were dismissed by the TDSB, and to defend the right of all families – regardless of background – to have a genuine say in their children’s education. When school boards overreach their authority, they undermine the accountability and transparency that are the foundation of Ontario’s education system. CIJA’s involvement reflects its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that every child and parent is treated fairly.

The Court’s ruling is unequivocal: the TDSB's decision was “without jurisdiction and of no force.” By intervening in the Rawlinson School Council election, disbanding a duly elected council, and imposing a new vote, the Board not only broke the law – it broke trust with parents. School councils are independent advisory bodies designed to improve pupil achievement and enhance accountability to parents. They are not meant to be controlled or overridden by school boards.

When public institutions use public resources to litigate against parents – volunteers who dedicate their time to building better schools – it erodes public trust and damages the fabric of our communities. Safe and inclusive schools depend on our collective commitment to uphold democratic values – respect, participation, and accountability – which are the foundation of a healthy and cohesive society. 

This case is about more than one school – it’s about defending the system of parent accountability and pupil achievement at the heart of Ontario’s Education Act. The Act makes clear that school councils exist to give parents a meaningful say in their children’s education. The Court’s decision restores the balance, ensuring boards cannot sidestep accountability or silence parent engagement. 

This decision is more than a legal victory – it’s a call to action. CIJA joins the applicant parents and their counsel in urging the TDSB to seize this moment to restore genuine democracy and accountability in our schools. CIJA calls for:

1. Immediate reform of board policies to respect parent voices and the law. 
2. An end to unlawful interference in school councils. 
3. A public apology and commitment to transparent, collaborative engagement with families.

Let this be the turning point where Ontario’s school boards recommit to the principles of openness, fairness, and respect – ensuring that every parent and student, regardless of their background, is heard, valued, and empowered.

QUOTES 

Jillian Siskind, Co-Counsel for the Applicants: 
“Parent engagement isn’t just a policy – it’s the heartbeat of Ontario’s education system. This decision restores the rightful balance, reminding boards that their role is to support, not silence, the parents who work tirelessly to build better school communities.”

Mark Freiman, Co-Counsel for the Applicants and Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ Legal Task Force: 
“This ruling is a wake-up call for every school board in Ontario: accountability to parents is not optional – it’s the law. When boards overstep, they undermine the very foundation of public education. CIJA is proud to stand with parents – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – to defend the democratic principles that make our schools strong.” 

Richard Marceau, Vice President, External Affairs and General Counsel, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs:
“All parents, regardless of background, deserve schools where their voices are respected and their children are safe. Unfortunately, over the past two years, many Jewish parents and students have been targeted for simply expressing their identity. By ensuring boards act within their legal authority, we protect the neutrality of our schools and reaffirm their core mission: advancing student success for every child.”  

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