REGINA – Reduced funding for education in Saskatchewan as a result of the 2017-18 provincial budget will limit the ability of boards of education to mitigate impacts to the classroom, according to the president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).

“School boards in Saskatchewan will be dealing with significant challenges as a result of reductions in this provincial budget,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “While boards each have unique needs and circumstances, inflation and enrolment pressures – combined with the restraint measures in place as a result of the increasingly difficult provincial fiscal situation this past year – will have an impact.”

Boards of education have partnered with the Government of Saskatchewan to work towards the priorities in the Education Sector Strategic Plan and the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and the SSBA’s member boards want to continue to engage and collaborate to ensure education is the best it can be for students in our province.

“School boards will continue to do everything in their power to ensure students are not negatively affected, but every decision boards of education make can affect the classroom,” Davidson said. “Our member boards firmly believe that all students should have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of where they live in the province or their personal circumstances.”

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association will be surveying its member school boards to understand how the budget affects them. There are 28 school boards in the province, each with unique circumstances, and they will be working in the coming days to identify what the budget will mean for them specifically.

“Education is the most important investment for our province,” Davidson said. “School boards recognize that our province is in a challenging fiscal situation, but our member boards believe that there must be continued investment in students and education to ensure a strong future for our province.”

Investment in education over recent years has increased primarily for capital projects and this certainly has helped with the aging infrastructure and growth many school divisions are dealing with, Davidson noted. He thanked the province for continued commitment to preventative maintenance and renewal funding in the 2017-18 budget.

Regarding education governance, the SSBA heard clearly in recent months from Saskatchewan residents that people want to keep school boards locally elected and keep decision-making close to the communities served. The SSBA and its member boards know the government heard the same messages and are pleased they listened.

REGINA – Thousands of Saskatchewan residents have provided the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) with responses that will inform the organization’s submission to the panel that is currently reviewing the governance of education in the province.

The SSBA encouraged Saskatchewan people to “add their voice” to the discussions happening about the future of the education sector based on the Government of Saskatchewan’s “transformational change” agenda. The SSBA’s two-point position – that school boards should remain locally elected and decisions should be made close to the communities they affect – was embraced and supported by many of the thousands of residents who liked, shared, commented and otherwise engaged with the campaign.

“Communities care deeply about the education system in our province and that was evident to us in the responses we received,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “The valuable insights we gathered echoed what school board trustees hear every day in their work serving the residents they are elected to represent.”

In addition to the feedback received from social media, meetings, letters, emails, etc., more than 1,300 people clicked through from social media and other forums to complete a brief online survey seeking endorsement of the SSBA’s position. About 93 per cent agreed that boards should remain locally elected and about 93 per cent agreed that decision-making about education should remain near to the communities affected. Almost 650 survey respondents also provided specific comments about their views. Highlights from these comments are included in the backgrounder distributed with this media release.

“School boards are committed to continuing to improve education in the interests of all students and we think ‘transformational change’ is best achieved through the success we are seeing with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) and other initiatives – and not by eliminating local, democratic decision-making,” said Davidson. “We were buoyed to find broad support for this position among our constituents and will be taking forward their views.”

The SSBA will provide an official submission to the panel appointed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Don Morgan to review options for education governance. Those options were summarized in December in a report by governance expert Dan Perrins, who included cautions about the potential consequences of amalgamating school divisions and appointing boards instead of electing them. Other independent experts have also raised concerns.

“The longest-lasting and most-fundamental responsibility of school boards over the past 100 years has been to bring the voice of the public to public education,” said Davidson. “The decisions being made now about school board governance could drastically change the historical roles in our system and the future of education.”

Members of the public are encouraged to continue adding their voice to this critically important discussion by writing to their MLAs and participating themselves in the panel’s consultation process before the Jan. 23 deadline. To do so, please visit the following website: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/public-consultations/share-your-thoughts-on-the-k-12-education-governance-review.

Backgrounder: SSBA “Add Your Voice!” Survey – Highlighted Comments

REGINA – The Educational Governance Review Report by Dan Perrins released in December raises concerns that are consistent with what school boards are hearing across the province about further forced amalgamations of school divisions and the elimination of democratically and locally elected trustees.

“We have heard clearly from our communities that local voice and locally elected representation is important in education,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. “We have heard that school divisions are big enough, especially for a province like ours that has such a large geographic area and unique local needs to consider.”

Community voice and locally elected boards contribute to a more democratic and transparent education system. Saskatchewan already has the fewest boards and fewest board members in western Canada (number of boards per province: BC 60, AB 63, MB 37 and SK 28).

“The report describes a shared view in the sector that the focus needs to stay on student outcomes and the work of the Education Strategic Sector Plan,” Davidson said, referring to the sector-wide plan introduced in 2014 with the support of all boards and the government, and which is beginning to see successes.

“Our member boards couldn’t agree more and are willing to work together towards collective results. Mr. Perrins identified many of the challenges education faces and we feel strongly that the focus should be on ideas to strengthen and improve governance and not on significant restructuring that doesn’t save money and is very disruptive for students and school communities,” Davidson added.

Davidson thanked Mr. Perrins for his work in preparing the report and listening to stakeholders. He also noted that school boards support – and, in many cases, are already working on – ideas from the report for optimizing and enhancing governance. Those include improving efficiency and consistency; preserving and strengthening the voice of communities; and, continuing to focus on student outcomes.

“We will continue this conversation and bring the voice of the communities represented by our province’s 28 diverse boards of education to both the online submission process and the panel appointed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Don Morgan to conduct this consultation,” Davidson said. “Education belongs to community, school boards matter and governance matters.”

For more than 100 years, the longest lasting and most fundamental responsibility of locally elected school boards in Saskatchewan has been to bring the voice of the public to publicly funded education so that all children in the province – regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances – have the resources and supports they need to achieve and succeed.

Community members and groups are encouraged to add their voices to this discussion and participate in the public consultation process being led by the Government of Saskatchewan. Details are available on the government’s website at: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/public-consultations/share-your-thoughts-on-the-k-12-education-governance-review.

REGINA – Community voice and locally elected boards of education contribute to a more democratic and transparent education system, according to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).

School boards are very concerned about the effects of the changes the Government of Saskatchewan is considering in education, including further forced amalgamations of school divisions and the elimination of democratically and locally elected school boards.

“In education, decisions are best made at the grassroots level and school boards provide a connection and accountability with the community,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “Loss of local voice through the reduction of locally elected boards of education will not be good for students, communities or the education system. Communities and school boards that already have experienced forced amalgamations in our province know that it is very disruptive for schools and students. Huge changes like that take significant time and resources and they don’t save money.”

Saskatchewan boards of education strongly believe that the focus should be on continuing the progress being realized with the Education Sector Strategic Plan and ensuring all children in Saskatchewan – regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances – have the resources and supports they need to achieve and succeed.

The 28 locally elected school boards have a vital role in serving Saskatchewan’s education system. For more than 100 years, the longest lasting and most fundamental responsibility of schools boards has been to bring the voice of the public to publicly funded education. Boards of education provide families, communities and students a crucial connection to democratic decision-making in their school systems.

“Education belongs to community – the SSBA represents 28 unique and diverse boards of education in our province and we need local people to join us in letting the government know that Saskatchewan school boards matter,” Davidson said. “Just like locally elected representation is important for maintaining local infrastructure, so are locally elected school boards important to local communities and providing education to our students.”

The SSBA is encouraging communities to add their voices to this discussion; details are available at: https://saskschoolboards.ca/education-belongs-to-community/.

REGINA – The 28 member boards of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) have chosen a new Provincial Executive to lead the organization.

The new Executive was selected during the SSBA’s Annual General Meeting this week and its members are as follows:

• Dr. Shawn Davidson, Prairie South Board of Education
  -President
• Aleana Young, Regina Public Board of Education
  -Vice-President
• Duane Favel, Ile a la Crosse Board of Education
  -Aboriginal Constituency
• Jerome Niezgoda, Christ the Teacher Catholic Board of Education
  -Catholic Constituency
• Jaimie Smith-Windsor, Saskatchewan Rivers Board of Education
  -Central Constituency
• Martin Prince, Conseil scolaire fransaskois
  -CSF Constituency
• Joe Daigneault, Northern Lights Board of Education
  -Northern Constituency
• Janet Kotylak, Prairie Valley Board of Education
  -Southern Constituency
• Donna Banks, Saskatoon Public Board of Education
  -Urban Public Constituency

The SSBA Provincial Executive members are all school board trustees. Representatives for the SSBA’s seven constituencies are chosen by the constituency members. All 28 school boards in the province are eligible to vote for the SSBA President and Vice-President.

The Executive advocates with a unified, province-wide voice on matters identified as important by the membership; promotes the important work of boards of education in improving outcomes for all students; and, builds relationships with key education sector partners and other stakeholders to ensure views of boards are represented in all considerations.

SASKATOON – Regina Catholic Schools has received the 2016 Premier’s Board of Education Award for its Innovation & Empowerment: Continuous Action Planning Outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) Education.

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association coordinates the Premier’s Award each year. The award was presented on behalf of Premier Brad Wall during the SSBA Annual General Assembly on Monday night.

“Regina Catholic Schools has been working more than a decade to achieve this within their division and has seen significant success improving their First Nations, Métis and Inuit students’ reading levels, enrolment retention, credit attainment and on-time graduation rates,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Don Morgan said. “The Education Sector Strategic Plan has prioritized the need to reduce the disparity in graduation rates between Indigenous students and their non-Indigenous peers, and I thank Regina Catholic Schools for their leadership in this area and the great work they do every day.”

In its application for the award, Regina Catholic Schools described establishing a standard where innovation, empowerment and action have become the operating norms for addressing approaches to FNIM educational needs over the past 15 years.

Success for FNIM students is not the result of a single program or initiative; it is the outcome of ongoing planning efforts and sustained practices driven by targeted allocation of resources, professional expertise and well-forged partnerships, according to the division.

“To see the shared dedication from many stakeholders who together want to see success for our First Nations and Métis students is the reward,” said Donna Ziegler, chair of the Regina Catholic Schools board of education.

Ziegler said that improved board policies, utilizing best practices, hearing from First Nations and Métis community leaders, engaging parents, working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and empowering the division’s Circle of Voices Committee has provided a successful pathway for staff and students.

“It’s an integrated approach that shows our commitment as a board, empowers staff to lead and supports students to be successful,” she continued. “At least two-thirds of staff have received Treaty Rights training and we have treaty catalyst teachers in every school. Listening, actualizing and empowering has allowed our staff to be supportive and our students to flourish.”

The $3,000 award is sponsored by Xerox Canada. The award recipient is recommended by a panel that includes representation from the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Education, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents of Saskatchewan.

“Xerox Canada commends the Regina Catholic School Division for their continuous innovation, empowerment and excellence in elevating the learning environment for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students,” said Mario Poirier, Vice-President, Xerox Canada. “You are joining a well-respected list of past winners and are part of Saskatchewan’s inspired educators who are helping students reach their full potential.”

Developed in 1999, the Premier’s Award recognizes educational innovations and improvements focused on student achievement that have been advanced or directed by boards of education. The prize is to be used to support or extend the innovation or project.

“The Premier’s Award shines a spotlight on great work being done by boards of education throughout Saskatchewan to support student achievement,” said SSBA President Connie Bailey. “Although there is only one recipient of the award, each submission is worthy of recognition for advancing the goal we all work to achieve – improved outcomes for students in Saskatchewan.”

REGINA – The Saskatchewan School Boards Association is encouraging everyone to wear orange to school today and to reflect on residential schools, for the first officially recognized “Orange Shirt Day” in the province.

“Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to gather together in our schools and our communities to recognize residential school survivors and their experiences,” said Regina Rochdale MLA Laura Ross on behalf of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan. “Saskatchewan students learn about the history of residential schools in a variety of classes starting in elementary and continuing through high school. Ensuring that our citizens understand this part of our history is essential as we move forward with First Nations and Métis people on a path of reconciliation.”

Today has been officially proclaimed as Orange Shirt Day and is part of a larger movement in the country to provide opportunity for First Nations, governments, schools and communities to unite in a spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

“Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to ensure discussion happens about residential schools,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “We know it is important to build understanding about this history of our province and country.”

The Orange Shirt Day movement is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, B.C., in 2013. It grew out of the account of a young girl having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the mission.

At the SSBA Spring General Assembly in April, members passed a resolution to request that the Government of Saskatchewan officially recognize Orange Shirt Day.

“We are pleased that the provincial government has officially proclaimed this day,” said Vernon Linklater, chair of the SSBA’s Aboriginal Council, which proposed the resolution. “We encourage people across the province to join us in recognizing this day.”

REGINA – Efforts of Saskatchewan schools to improve student nutrition and create healthier environments are being celebrated today with the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge’s Walk to Breakfast.

“Mosaic is proud to have supported schools and students across Saskatchewan for 10 years through the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Senior Director of Public Affairs at The Mosaic Company. “Improving nutrition and supporting healthy lifestyles for children directly supports our food security mission to help the world grow the food it needs, beginning right here at home.”

Since 2006, The Mosaic Company and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA), in partnership with Breakfast for Learning (BFL), have hosted the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge to encourage grassroots initiatives to improve student nutrition. Ten schools across Saskatchewan each received $10,000 earlier this year as winners of the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge. Among the winners was Regina Catholic School Division’s Mother Teresa Middle School, where today’s Walk to Breakfast event was held.

“Good nutrition has an essential role in helping kids reach their potential in school and beyond,” Regina Coronation Park MLA Mark Docherty said on behalf of Minster of Education Don Morgan. “Our government is investing $2.3 million in school and community nutrition programs this year to help provide students with healthy food during their school day. I commend The Mosaic Company and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association for also supporting the nutrition of Saskatchewan students. Their contributions are making a difference in the lives of thousands of students each year.”

Mother Teresa Middle School’s winning project highlights include integrating Indigenous content and principles, teaching students how to grow their own food and expanding community kitchen opportunities. The other winning projects have goals including expanding breakfast and snack programs, establishing indoor and outdoor gardens, furthering family and community involvement and increasing education about nutrition, cooking, food security and fire safety in the kitchen.

“Our students are our future leaders, and investing in their learning through nutrition programs is vital to their success,” said Kelly Berlinic, Director of Programs and Community Development for BFL. “Breakfast for Learning is proud to work with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and The Mosaic Company to ensure all students have the nourishment they need to succeed at school.”

Schools from across the province submitted their projects for the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge to compete for a total of $100,000 in prizes. Other schools receiving grants are in Regina, Saskatoon, Melfort, Kelliher, Meadow Lake, Preeceville, North Battleford and the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.

“School board members in Saskatchewan firmly believe that all students should have what they need to achieve and succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “Our Association is proud to recognize Mother Teresa Middle School and the other winners and we thank Mosaic and BFL for their commitment to ensuring students’ health and nutrition needs are met.”

Backgrounder: 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge Winners

MOOSE JAW – Today, all students across the province are back in their classrooms and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) is reminding everyone to keep student safety top-of-mind.

Today has been officially proclaimed as “Provincial Students’ Day” in Saskatchewan to help ensure safety is the primary consideration for students, families and communities, and especially for motorists who will be driving in and around school zones.

“Our students are our future,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “Having a special day set aside to recognize students contributes to helping alert all drivers that students are back in school and extra care for their safety should be considered.”

The Government of Saskatchewan officially proclaims Provincial Students’ Day every year at the SSBA’s request, with the intent of reinforcing the message of care and concern for students as they head back to school.

Provincial Students’ Day was first proclaimed in 2010, in response to a resolution passed by the province’s trustees at the SSBA 2009 Annual General Meeting.

REGINA – Ten schools across Saskatchewan are each receiving $10,000 for winning the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge.

“At Mosaic, we partner with organizations, like the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and Breakfast for Learning, who are making a difference for families and children in our province,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Senior Director of Public Affairs for The Mosaic Company. “Food security is at the core of Mosaic’s mission. We recognize how improved nutrition can have a positive effect on a child’s ability to learn and we are excited to empower these Challenge winners with the funds they need to support their kids.”

The 10 winning projects have goals including expanding breakfast and snack programs, establishing indoor and outdoor gardens, furthering family and community involvement and increasing education about nutrition, cooking, food security, fire safety in the kitchen and Indigenous knowledge.

Together with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and Breakfast for Learning, The Mosaic Company launched the Extreme School Makeover Challenge in 2006 to encourage grassroots initiatives to improve student nutrition.

“Breakfast for Learning is honored to work with The Mosaic Company and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association to help schools take student nutrition and nutrition education to the next level,” said Kelly Berlinic, Director Programs & Community Development at Breakfast for Learning. “Through improved facilities and enhanced programming, Saskatchewan students will reap the benefits of the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge for years to come.”

Schools from across the province submitted their projects for the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge to compete for a total of $100,000 in prizes. The schools receiving grants are in Saskatoon, Regina, Melfort, Kelliher, Meadow Lake, Preeceville, North Battleford and the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.

“There is great work being done to improve nutrition environments at schools throughout Saskatchewan,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “We are proud to be able to recognize those efforts with the Challenge, thanks to our partnership with Mosaic and Breakfast for Learning.”

Backgrounder: 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge Winners