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The reactions continue from the Provincial Budget released by the Saskatchewan Government on Wednesday.
Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte said in a news release that the budget is a step in the direction towards investment in education.
“In last fall’s election, the STF asked parties to invest in public education and called for per-student funding to be restored. We know a decade of cuts can’t be addressed with one budget. We are cautiously optimistic this will be the start of continued investments in public education with predictable, sustainable funding that meets the needs of a growing student population.”
Becotte adds, “Investing in public education will help ensure students have equal access to the supports that they need within their PreK-Grade 12 education, which will lead to increased probability of achieving government’s priorities.”
The STF noted the funding per student in Saskatchewan has been declining over the last decade after adjusting before a slight increase in 2024-25 but there was a gap of $2,450 per student. This budget will decrease that gap to $1,850. Fully restoring per-student funding to 2012-13 levels, when adjusted for inflation, will require an additional $375 million in the 2025-26 budget according to the STF.
“There is still more work to do, and teachers are committed to working collaboratively with government to ensure the best outcomes for students,” says Becotte. “But we can’t do it alone. Budgets reflect priorities and investing in public education is an investment in the future of our province. Saskatchewan has one of the best performing economies in the country. Saskatchewan students and families deserve access to a properly funded public education system that meets students’ needs.”