Saskatchewan Teachers Ready to Work With Newly Elected Government

Today, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is congratulating new and re-elected members of the legislative assembly on their successful campaigns, while encouraging them to keep public education among their top priorities over the coming weeks, months and years. While no new election promises for education were made within the Saskatchewan Party platform, the STF is committed to working collaboratively to address the ongoing issues in schools.

“The STF has a mandate to advocate for public education. We remain non-partisan and our advocacy is always focused on which policies are best for public education and students. After what has been a very competitive election, we look forward to collaborating with this government to find solutions for the issues students, families and teachers are facing in Saskatchewan’s classrooms,” says Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte. “I want to say thank you to STF members and supporters of public education for everything they have done to keep education front and centre throughout this election cycle. We have work ahead to ensure we rebuild relationships and continue our strong advocacy on behalf of Saskatchewan’s students and teachers.”

With Saskatchewan’s per-student funding among the lowest in Canada, increasing challenges of classroom size and complexity, and a worrying trend of violence in classrooms, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation launched its Vote for Public Education campaign ahead of provincial and school board elections this fall. More than 4,500 Vote for Public Education lawn signs were distributed throughout the province, along with online ads, mail flyers, an STF election platform, a virtual candidates’ forum with over 4,000 views, pledge cards for candidates and a number of other efforts to keep public education at the forefront of voters’ minds.

“Throughout this fall’s campaign we called on candidates to make three key commitments to students, families and teachers in publicly funded schools: restore and maintain per-student funding, address class size and complexity, and address the growing concerns of violence in the classroom. Once the legislature is back in session, it will be time for Saskatchewan’s MLAs to make good on these commitments,” says Becotte.

With the provincial election behind us, the education sector looks forward to school board trustee elections on November 13. School board trustees play an important role in establishing a school division’s priorities, vision, educational plan and annual budget. Trustees work as a team to ensure the educational needs of students come first. As locally elected officials, they are responsible to their community and the families whose children attend division schools. The STF encourages all voters to take part in school board elections and support trustee candidates who demonstrate a commitment to accessible, inclusive and well-funded public education.