REGINA – The 2026-27 provincial budget is in line with what school boards have seen previously and maintains commitments to increasing specialized supports but falls short of significant new investment in other areas, according to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).
“The circumstances will vary among school divisions in the province, but overall, this budget is consistent with what we’ve seen for funding in recent years,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “However, it doesn’t represent additional investment in the sector outside of specialized support programming.”
The specialized support programming has been well-received in divisions, said Davidson, noting the budget commitment to expand that funding is consistent with the government’s promises to continue to increase the reach to more schools across a period of multiple years.
However, the budget is not keeping up with all inflationary pressures faced by school divisions, including transportation, local contracts, and funds needed to maintain infrastructure. While some planned capital expenditures are always welcome, more dollars for preventative maintenance and renewal are missing from the budget, Davidson said. Many school divisions are facing pressures around facilities.
“What is included for capital is appreciated but will not fully address the urgent needs out there,” said Davidson. “We have growing communities that need new schools, and facilities in many areas are in need of repair.”
School divisions have identified a need for preventative maintenance and renewal funding that equates to about two per cent of school value allocated annually. The current funding level is remaining stagnant at about one-half of one per cent based on the budget announcement.
“Although the industry standard is two per cent, we would be happy to see the level reach at least one per cent as a first step,” Davidson said.
The SSBA will be working with school boards over the coming months to unpack the budget.