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 City is doing a survey of the Church Street Pedestrianization Project that my office and the Church-Wellesley Village BIA is operating on Church Street between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street until August 21. Your feedback will help inform the City's response to future street closures here and across the City. If your a resident who has been to Church Street, take the survey! And if you haven't yet been, come see what you're missing then take the survey! The survey closes September 7, 2026.
The City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact community grant helps promote youth engagement and community safety by providing up to $17K for youth-led (15-29) initiatives that help with violence prevention, mental health and well-being, skills development, arts and youth-friendly spaces. Applications are now open until September 15 at 12:00pm.
Opened last year, Biidaasige Park is expanding with 10 more acres of public waterfront space at 238 Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising. With new places to walk, cycle, paddle, gather, enjoy public art and take in skyline views, residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate during opening weekend on July 25 and 26. See what’s happening this weekend and beyond, including free guided kayak tours, walking tours and art-making workshops.