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The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is raising concerns about what it describes as a funding shortfall for Saskatchewan students.
According to the STF, Saskatchewan is providing an average of $1,483 less in funding per student this year than it did in the 2015-16 school year.
STF president Samantha Becotte says the funding gap is affecting classrooms across Saskatchewan.
“Because of government underfunding, student successes are becoming harder and harder to achieve. We’re seeing larger class sizes, increasing classroom complexity, more diverse student needs and a shortfall of specialized professional supports like educational psychologists, speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists. All of this makes it more and more difficult for students’ needs to be met.”
The STF made the figure a center point for a new campaign calling on increased funding.
The campaign is running alongside a website launch by the STF, SaskSchoolCuts.ca, which breaks down cuts by division.
Becotte says the latest collective bargaining process resulted in additional funding for classroom complexity.
“Gains were made in the last round of the provincial teachers collective bargaining after the most significant teacher job action in Saskatchewan’s history, as well as an outpouring of support from parents, the business community, and students. A new contract was awarded through binding arbitration, and this contract included new funding to address classroom complexity. It is an important step in the right direction.”
Becotte says that while they’ve heard about Saskatchewan’s strong economy from the province and the premier, a strong future is only possible through investment into learning for Saskatchewan students.
