Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!
As the school doors swing open on September 2 and the hallways fill with joy and possibility, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student, educator, parent, and family in University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre.
This year, we return not just to classrooms, but to community - to the shared belief that every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and inspiring place to learn and grow. Whether you’re stepping into kindergarten for the first time or preparing for graduation, know that you are surrounded by a network of support, care, and opportunity.
Our schools are more than buildings - they are community hubs of creativity, resilience, and hope. From dedicated teachers and support staff to engaged families and local leaders, we are united in our commitment to nurturing the potential of every student.
School boards across Ontario are facing real challenges: chronic underfunding, Bill 33 and a troubling shift by the provincial government toward centralized control that weakens local democracy, transparency and accountability.
On June 18 of this year, TDSB trustees approved a two-year budget recovery plan with a projected $2.8M deficit in 2025-2026 and $0.3 million surplus in 2026-2027. Just a week later on June 27, the Minister of Education placed four more boards under supervision - including TDSB. Trustees and school boards don’t control funding. The provincial government does - and funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation or rising student needs. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives analysis uncovered the funding gap: Ontario has underfunded schools by $6.35 billion since 2018.
Despite the challenges we face, our strength lies in our diversity and shared commitment to improving student achievement and well-being. Together, we will continue to advocate for the resources our students deserve, celebrate the achievements that make our communities shine, and build a future rooted in equity, empathy, and excellence.
Here’s to a school year filled with curiosity, courage, and connection!
With gratitude and optimism,
Deborah Williams
Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under Ministry supervision)
During the TDSB supervision period, I can be reached at [email protected].
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is only weeks away. My team has collected important information for you to know before the games begin here on June 11, including match times, FIFA Fan Festival™, and more. Visit my new Resource page to learn more!
This summer, we’re transforming a stretch of Church Street into a vibrant, car-free destination: a place to gather, celebrate, and show the world what the Village is made of.
Learn more at: www.experiencethevillage.ca
More than 130 residents participated in community safety meetings hosted by my office and Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) this spring in St. James Town and Moss Park. The meetings brought together residents, TCHC staff, Toronto Police Service, the City's Violence Intervention and Support Unit, Fred Victor, and Unison Health and Community Services to discuss local safety concerns and identify solutions.