Sask. Teachers' Federation says education funding being 'siphoned off' to private schools

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) says the province is giving too much money to private schools, at the expense of the public system.

"We have seen a shift in priorities by our government when it comes to funding for education. We have seen cuts through our public system over the last decade where budgetary increases are not meeting the increases from inflation or enrolment," STF President Samantha Becotte told CBC news in an interview Monday.

"At the same time, we also see funds being siphoned off to private systems."

Becotte said the recent announcement that Prairie Spirit School Division would partner with Roadways Literacy, a qualified independent school, is another example of the government moving to privatize education.

"It doesn't make sense that these funds are being diverted to private schools to support students rather than just supporting them right within the division that they have," she said in reference to the announcement.

"We see more and more funds being diverted from the public system to the private system, we continue to see more resources and more supports cut from our public school divisions."

Becotte said literacy support programs already exist in school divisions, but aren't meeting students' needs due to reduced or eliminated support.

Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation president Samantha Becotte says tax dollars should be go to public school systems so that all students have access to supports. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)

Government failing on responsibility of public education: STF

From 2020-21 to 2024-25, funding to independent schools has increased by 79 per cent, while public school funding has only increased by 13 per cent over the same time period, Becotte said.

"Not only has funding increased to private schools, they also have the ability to charge tuition on top. So there's likely more support available within those systems. But we need to make sure that we're supporting all students, not just students in those private education systems," she said.

"We are seeing more students coming to our schools who are struggling, and we have fewer supports available to meet the needs of those students."

Becotte said literacy programs that provide individualized instruction to students have been cut back across the province due to years of underfunding. She said the STF is calling on the government and Prairie Spirit's board of trustees to immediately reverse the latest decision and start offering solutions for all Saskatchewan students.

"This is just one strategy. It isn't owned by the private school," she said. "Investing in those literacy skills at an early age is needed across the province."

Bernie Howe, the Prairie Spirit board chair, said in a statement that the division will be able to hire two additional literacy support staff members and provide professional development for two Prairie Spirit teachers as a result of the pilot project funding provided to the division.

"Engaging with a local consultant in providing specialized reading instruction aligns with the Board's strategic plan to enhance learning supports for students and strengthen foundational skills in mathematics, reading and writing," the statement said.

'STF politicizing initiative': education minister

In an email statement, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said Roadways Literacy Academy has a "proven track record" in supporting and improving reading and literacy of children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Cockrill said the ministry is pleased to see the Prairie Spirit School Division partnering with Roadways to improve student success.

"It is disappointing that the STF would choose to politicize an initiative that is aimed at improving the outcomes of Saskatchewan students," the statement said.

"Education is about our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, regardless of where families choose to attend school. We will always work to find ideas that are focused on their well-being and success."

The statement also said that increases to independent school funding are due to either student enrolment growth or an increase to the per student average, as they receive funding based on a percentage of that average.

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill says it is disappointing that the STF 'would choose to politicize' a recently announced literacy initiative. (Alexander Quon/CBC)

Becotte said the STF wants success for all students and that voters should consider the needs of all students during this fall's election.

"We have seen cuts year after year to our public education systems within Saskatchewan and more focus on that private education. And it is really concerning to see because not everyone has access to those private systems," she said.

"When we're talking about taxpayer dollars, we want to ensure that it is being provided for those public systems that all students have access to and that are publicly accessible."