STF calls for more funding for education after surplus announcement

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is calling for more funding for the province’s education system following the provincial government’s mid-year financial statement, which included a $1.1-billion surplus.

“I am hearing from teachers whose students do not have adequate access to the professional services they need,” STF president Samantha Becotte said in a statement.

The federation, which represents more than 13,500 teachers around the province, said some parents in Saskatchewan are paying out of pocket for services from schools like mental health support and speech language pathology. With large class sizes, the union said there is often no additional support for diverse student needs.

The STF said the mid-year financial statement shows improvement in the government’s financial situation, and the federation is now asking the government to “consider significant new investments in operational funding for K-12 public school students.”