Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) is shedding light on its budget for the 2024-25 year, saying increased funding from the province may not be as significant as it seems.
Sask. The party government claimed an 8.8 percent increase in school operating funds ahead of its budget announcement. it Historically much higher than in previous yearsBut still many stakeholders are not interested.
SPS issued a Overview of its budget And it also highlighted the cuts the school board has been forced to make since 2016.
“This increase may seem significant and it is. However, when taking into account the projected enrollment growth of 700 students, rising costs due to inflation, and the continued increase in students requiring additional support, there is minimal room for further supports, programs and services for students,” SPS. he said.
However, the SPS highlighted two projects that were much needed: a combined-use collegiate in Holmwood and a combined-use primary school in Brighton.
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Noting the cuts made over the past few years, it reported that 91 percent of teacher librarian positions have been eliminated, and said they are left with three teacher librarians who manage libraries in all 59 schools.
It said high school enrollment has increased from 8,558 students in 2016-17 to 9,031 in 2023-24, but the number of teachers has declined from 520 to 480 during the same period.
Cuts were highlighted in many other student support positions as well as secretarial and office jobs.
It also noted the reduction in transportation services across the city and the removal of classes such as Grade 8 Home Economics and Industrial Arts programs.
Teachers are also decrying the situation around education funding, with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation saying more is needed if things like class size and complexity are to be addressed.
“To maintain per-pupil funding at 2015-16 levels, per-pupil spending will need to increase by 12 percent, amounting to an additional $268 million on top of the previously announced $180 million,” it said in an emailed statement. Has gone. Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) back in March.
Although other school boards have not been as vocal, they are highlighting some of the challenges facing this budget.
A budget overview at the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) board meeting on April 15 said the increased funding was welcomed and would allow them to provide similar services compared to last year, but called it a “first step.” ” Said. Additional funding will be required to close the funding gap and return to service levels seen before 2016.
Funding for GSCS’s preventive maintenance and renewal fund remains at $50 million, which the school board notes is a challenge due to rising cost inflation.
“This minimal increase is very worrying for the school division as the cost of construction has increased by up to 45 per cent in the last three years. This funding is typically used to begin roof repairs, new roof replacements, and HVAC upgrades,” the budget overview states.
Global News contacted other school boards and some said it was too early for them to discuss their budget plans. Global News has also contacted the provincial government for comment.
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