Education Funding Announcement Amounts to $82 Per Student

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation appreciates Minister of Education Dustin Duncan’s recognition of the impact record-high enrolment is having on students and teachers. 

“This funding is the bare minimum of what divisions require to address the additional number of students in our schools, but it won’t provide the additional supports students need to ensure their success,” said STF President Samantha Becotte.

Chronic underfunding, increasing costs, more complicated student needs and growing mental health concerns means students do not have access to the professional support or one-on-one time with teachers they need.

“Since the start of the school year, I have been relaying the concerns voiced to me by teachers across Saskatchewan,” says Becotte. “Just last week, I heard from a teacher that students who require speech language therapy are only able to receive three, 10-minute sessions each school year. Each day I hear stories from parents and teachers in every corner of the province. The word that keeps coming up is triage: moving from crisis to crisis without having time to support students on an individual basis.”

When this nominal funding is spread out amongst all Saskatchewan students, $15.5 million amounts to an additional $82 per student. Greater investment will be required to ensure that the unique needs of all Saskatchewan students can be met.