Sandals was elected to her local public school board in 1988, and was re-elected four times. From 1998 to 2002, she served as President of the Ontario Public School Board Association. In the latter capacity, she was a frequent opponent of the education policies of provincial PremierMike Harris on matters such as standardized tests and centrally-administered teacher reviews. During these controversies, she drew attention to the historical importance of local accountability in the provincial education system. Sandals was the recipient of the first Outstanding Contribution to Education Award, granted by the Ontario Principals' Council.
LizSandals was elected to represent the Guelph - Wellington riding in October 2003.
Liz leads the government’s Safe Schools Action Team and she also serves on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Management Board of Cabinet and is the Vice-Chair of the Education Policy Committee of Cabinet.
Liz first became involved in politics with education issues as she was elected to the local public school board in 1988 and was re-elected four times.