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

SASKATOON – School boards in Saskatchewan are dealing with significant challenges as a result of the provincial budget, according to a survey of the member boards of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.

On average, boards responding to the survey provided a rating of “Not Good” – which equates to about 2 out of 5 – when asked about the overall effect of the budget on their divisions. While boards each have unique needs and circumstances, a high number of respondents cited the lack of funding available to cover increases for teachers negotiated in the provincial collective bargaining agreement, and other pressures, as of major concern.

“School boards are going to do everything in their power to ensure students are not negatively impacted by this situation,” said Connie Bailey, President of the SSBA. “At the same time, many have difficult decisions to make with reduced resources available and issues like increasing student numbers and aging infrastructure.

“We want to ensure we offer the best educational opportunities possible for our province’s students, by focusing on continuous improvement in the system, ensuring that our teachers are paid and that we can cover general operating costs – but certainly the timing and reductions in the budget this year pose major challenges for boards of education,” she added.

While boards surveyed cited positives in the budget including recognition of current-year enrolment numbers and an increase for preventative maintenance and renewal dollars, many noted those changes were offset by the lack of funding for teacher salary increases and other uncontrollable costs. The result is overall funding decreases for many boards and allocations that do not reflect inflation for all.

“The SSBA has eight principles for funding that our members have identified as important and we use those as a basis for our survey,” Bailey said. “This year, we heard overwhelmingly that sufficiency was the principle most lacking. Also of concern, a majority pointed to predictability as lacking, particularly related to the late budget, and many expressed concern about sustainability for the future considering trends in the approach to funding.”

Boards noted that the principle of autonomy remains present in how they can target some of the dollars allocated and authority remains for school boards to act in the best interests of the students, families and communities they are elected to serve.

“When the government took over responsibility for setting education property tax rates, they also took on responsibility for ensuring that education in Saskatchewan is adequately funded,” Bailey said. “Our member boards are strongly indicating that is not the case in this most recent budget – and we have a mandate from the public that elected us to advocate for our students. Some member boards will have to find cuts and others are planning to use dollars reserved for major projects for their operating expenses for the coming year.

“As locally elected representatives, we want our communities, families and students to know that there are passionate and committed people working for you in education and there is excellent work being done in the province’s 28 school divisions that we need to shine a spotlight on and build upon for the benefit of every student,” she added.

Backgrounder: SSBA 2016-17 Budget Evaluation

REGINA – Collaboration with democratically, locally elected school boards is essential before any ‘transformational changes’ in education are considered, according to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.

“We work collaboratively with all of our partners to meet the bold targets in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and the Education Sector Strategic Plan to improve student outcomes,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “We are collaborating to review the funding model and we continually work hard to find efficiencies. School boards are always willing to work with the provincial government to ensure we have the best education system for our children. They are our future.”

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.

“The work of the SSBA and its member boards is deeply rooted in the belief that all children in Saskatchewan, regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances, must have the resources and supports they need to achieve and succeed,” Bailey said.

SSBA members have eight top priorities they will be looking to see reflected in the 2016-17 provincial budget. Those eight principles are: sufficiency, autonomy, equity, engagement, predictability, reciprocal accountability, sustainability and transparency. Last year, boards began evaluating the budget based on these principles.

“We heard from our members that better engagement to understand local priorities was a top area for improvement and that sufficient funding, including using projected enrolment numbers instead of the previous year’s numbers, is essential to meet the changing needs and growing number of students in many divisions,” Bailey said, noting that in the weeks following the budget’s release, boards will be evaluating the funding allocations based on the principles.

REGINA – The Saskatchewan School Boards Association wishes to congratulate Premier Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party on forming another majority government in Monday’s provincial election.

“During the Sask. Party’s first two terms in government, we built a relationship around priorities for education in our province, including through the first-ever Education Sector Strategic Plan,” SSBA President Connie Bailey said. “We know the government shares with elected school boards both a commitment and a responsibility to students, families and communities in Saskatchewan. We look forward to continue working with the government to support achievement for all of our children.”

Bailey also congratulated all newly elected or re-elected MLAs who won in their constituencies on Monday and thanked all who put their names forward on the ballots. She recognized in particular the successful candidates for both parties with backgrounds of service as elected school board trustees.

“Trustees in this province are locally elected to bring the voice of the public to public education,” said Bailey. “We are thankful for all the women and men who volunteer their time and efforts to serve students, families and communities in Saskatchewan. We know that trustees who have been chosen to serve now at the provincial level will do so in the same spirit of a deep commitment to the public.”

Regarding priorities for working with the government going forward, Bailey noted she looks forward to results of a review of the education funding formula that began last year. The SSBA continues to be supportive of that work and hopeful it will reflect principles identified by its members as important.

“Education is crucial to ensuring the next generation are the critical thinkers, the innovators, the leaders, the entrepreneurs, the employers, the workers and more,” Bailey said. “We share leadership with partners in the education sector and the relationship between our organization of elected trustees and the provincial government always has been, and will continue to be, a very important one.”

Bailey said school boards have always worked hard to find efficiencies and will continue in the spirit of fiscal responsibility, while ensuring the needs of students, families and local communities are met.

“Even when times are tough, we must continue to champion the crucial importance of education in ensuring our society’s members have the skills and abilities they need to contribute to the economy,” Bailey said. “We must champion our education system as one of hope and looking toward the future.”