Released on March 19, 1998
Education Minister Pat Atkinson today announced a $29.7 million dollarincrease to support public education in the province. This includes a
$20.8 million dollar increase in operating grants to school divisions,
$7.3 million to build and renovate schools and an additional
$1.6 million from the provincial government as grants-in-lieu of
taxes.
"By investing in the education of our young people we are investing in
the future of Saskatchewan," Atkinson said. "The new operating grant
total, $384 million, is the largest total amount of provincial
operating grant the government has ever provided. We are
demonstrating our continued commitment to quality education for our
students.
"The additional $7.3 million dollar increased investment in school
capital helps ensure our students have safe and well-equipped
schools."
A total capital budget of $24 million will support continued work on
joint use projects in Estevan and North Battleford as well as a new
shared public and separate school in Yorkton. There will also be new
school construction in Biggar and renovations to the school in Central
Butte.
"This year, major projects will proceed in Lloydminster and other
soon-to-be announced locations as we continue to address the
highest priority facility needs. More than 100 school
improvement projects will also be approved in communities across
the province."
The minister outlined increased support to key priority areas for
the 1998-99 fiscal year including:
$17 million investment in basic education services;
$3 million increased investment for students requiring special
education, for integrated services projects and increased
support for the prekindergarten program in Saskatchewan's
Community Schools; and
$1 million investment in Core Curriculum implementation in
Saskatchewan's schools.
"I am confident this increased investment will benefit our
students and our teachers in the classroom," Atkinson said.
"Today's elementary and high school students will spend their
entire adult lives in the 21st Century. We must provide these
students with the basic skills and knowledge they need."
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For more information, contact:
Craig Dotson
Saskatchewan Education
Regina
Phone (306) 787-7071
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Further Commitments to Major Projects Underway
North Battleford Joint-Use
Continued work on renovations to the comprehensive high school to facilitate the regional
college sharing the facility.
Estevan Joint-Use
Continued work on renovations to the comprehensive high school to accommodate the Southeast
Regional College and to renovate other school program areas.
Yorkton Joint-Use
The new elementary school currently under construction will be shared by the public and
separate school divisions and house students in the Weinmaster area of Yorkton. This is
continued funding for a project approved in 1997.
Central Butte - Phase 3
This is the final phase of improvements to the Central Butte school which provide a safe learning
environment for students. This phase addresses program area deficiencies in the high school
section of the facility.
Biggar
A new school will be constructed on the site of the current high school. The new school will
accommodate Grades 4-12 students. K-3 students will attend the existing Woodrow Lloyd
School.
New Projects Approved for 1998-99
Lloydminster - Public and Separate Boards
New capital projects to be announced in each of the Lloydminster Public and Separate School
Divisions.
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* Future major capital projects for 1998-99 will be announced in the next few months, once all facility requests are reviewed and prioritized.
More than 100 school improvement projects will also be approved over the next
year in communities across the province.