Sask. Teachers’ Federation disappointed with provincial budget

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation isn’t feeling the love after the provincial government unveiled its budget Wednesday.

The budget included an increase of $192.8 million – or 6.7 per cent – to the amount going to schools, early learning and child care and libraries. Federation president Samantha Becotte joined the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday, saying she feels the province fell short of her expectations.

The federation had called for a $400-million increase to education.

“That increase to the $3-billion budget … includes capital cost as well, so (when) we look at the funds that are actually getting to school divisions and to support classrooms, it’s only a $2-billion budget and only a $15-million increase, which is less than what is needed to cover inflation and enrolment growth based on even really conservative estimates of what we expect to see next year,” Becotte said.

The federation president added that she believes the government isn’t listening to students, parents or teachers as enrolment just keeps going up.

“Education is important for everyone in Saskatchewan. We need to have a well-funded, high-quality public education system in the K-12 ages so that we have a strong future for Saskatchewan,” she said.

According to Becotte, the finance minister has said more funding will be on the way if enrolment is higher than government estimates.

“If we continue to pressure the government, we can force them to change their mind and start making invests in education, at least so we can keep the status quo,” she added.

Becotte said teachers are struggling to “plug the holes” and support their students in their classrooms.

“I do worry about how sustainable these cuts are going to be. I think we’re going to see more people leaving the profession because they can’t manage the work that it is,” Becotte added.

She encouraged the public to show support by attending the federation’s rally for public education on April 29.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick