Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader Carla Beck is aiming to get the province’s schools out of last place when it comes to funding and support. Her statement came with the promise of $2 billion in funding to help reduce class sizes, hire teachers and education workers, and support students with complex learning needs.
“The greatest investment we can make into the future success of our province is investing in the next generation, but under Scott Moe, our kids’ classrooms are overcrowded, underfunded, and under-resourced,” said Beck. “This election, the future of our province is on the ballot. With this generational investment – we’ll fix our schools, reverse Scott Moe’s cuts, and get Saskatchewan out of last place. It’s time for change.”
A release from the NDP asserts that Saskatchewan has dropped from affording the highest levels of per-student funding in Canada. With an increase of 15,000 students in the province since 2016, Beck relayed figures that show a staff component increase of only one teacher in the time frame. Beck says the proposed funding will go to hiring hundreds of new teachers, educational assistants and school staff. The investments will also address class size and complexity, a key concern in the most recent round of teacher negotiations.
As well, Beck says she intends to focus on English as an addition language funding and fast track new schools in growing areas.
“These are real dollars that will increase per-student funding every year,” said Beck. “For the first time in nearly a decade, schools will get to choose what to add to help students, not what to cut. This investment will give schools the predictability they need to solve the problems in our schools.”
The announcement follows Beck’s initial campaign promise to accomplish the goals without raising taxes in the initial stages of an NDP term. The release also promises an upcoming fully costed platform with plans for a balanced budget in four years.