REGINA – The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) is congratulating Scott Moe, who will become the province’s next premier after winning the governing party’s leadership race.
“In our ongoing efforts to support the students in Saskatchewan’s education system, we look forward to working with Mr. Moe as the new premier,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “We also want to recognize and thank the outgoing premier, Brad Wall, for his years of service to the people of the province and investments made by his government in our education system over the years, particularly in the area of constructing and renovating schools.”
Another important connection between the SSBA and the premier’s office is the annual Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence. Since 1999, premiers of Saskatchewan have given their support for the award, which recognizes educational innovations and improvements focused on student achievement that have been advanced or directed by boards of education.
School boards have been calling for restored and renewed investment in education and want the voices of the families and communities they represent to be heard and considered by the government. Davidson said he believes the new premier will be receptive to making education an increased funding priority.
“Mr. Moe has said education ‘must be a top priority for the next premier’ and has committed to additional education funding,” Davidson said. “Boards are responsible for overseeing the operations of our province’s education system, while the provincial government is responsible for funding. We need to be engaged and working together in our respective roles so we can continue to see progress in the area of student achievement in Saskatchewan.”
The new premier is being invited to meet with locally elected boards of education and partners from across the education sector in the near future. Davidson said he hopes the new premier will take the opportunity to engage and establish relationships.