Predictable, Equity funding for School Boards
Posted by: Len Taylor in Legislative SpeechesHansard
Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly
December 2, 2009
Education Funding
Mr. Taylor: — On November 19th, I along with the MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] from Rosthern-Shellbrook and Biggar met in North Battleford with Light of Christ Catholic School Division. The board told us emphatically that their administrative priority for 2010 is sustainable and predictable funding. At the same time, the board indicated that they need a finalized new funding model as promised by the Saskatchewan Party that addresses the existing inequity in per student funding.
For the benefit of members and the public, Light of Christ receives provincial funding of $7,900 per student compared to the provincial average of $8,700 and the provincial high of $16,900 per student. The board Chair made it clear, and I agree with him, education is too important to have to ride the highs and lows of the economy. Education funding cannot be dependent on potash prices.
This week, the Minister of Education admitted his government’s mismanagement of provincial finances will have a negative effect on the delivery of their promise to continue education property tax relief, and they will likely not be able to put in place a new funding model for school boards until 2011 or 2012. Boards of education and students in divisions with the lowest per capita funding arrangements will find this totally unfortunate and unacceptable.
If he needs more information, I call on the minister to talk with the members from Rosthern-Shellbrook and Biggar and act quickly to establish a program of equitable, sustainable, and predictable education funding.
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