REGINA – The 2025-26 provincial budget announcement reflects recognition by government of some pressures identified by school boards, according to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).
“This is a step in the right direction and should allow for boards to continue programming at current levels,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA, which represents the province’s 27 school boards. “However, we will work with government on greater investment to address the needs of all students.”
While some details are still to be determined, Davidson at this point expects boards won’t be facing cuts due to increased funding that recognizes enrolment growth, inflation, and collectively bargained agreements. Allocations in the budget don’t fully address the funding gap in education that boards have identified, but shouldn’t result in them falling farther behind, Davidson continued.
The capital announcements in the budget will help address infrastructure shortfalls, Davidson said.
“There’s always more fence than paint, but there are significant investments here,” he stated. “There are major capital projects, particularly in Saskatoon, where growth is substantial.”
In terms of the Preventative Maintenance and Renewal (PMR) portion of the budget, Davidson noted the increase is welcome.
“It’s not at our target of one per cent, but we are moving toward it,” Davidson said, noting the new funding level will equate to about half of one per cent of school value allocated annually.
Priorities of the Provincial Education Plan (PEP) are reflected in the budget, particularly in regard to early years literacy and mental health, Davidson said.
The SSBA will be working with school boards over the coming months to unpack the particular implications of the budget in their local contexts, he added.