Released on March 26, 1999
Education Minister Clay Serby today announced the total operatingfunds available for K 12 education from the provincial treasury is
$400.9 million, the largest amount the province has ever provided to
support students and teachers in Saskatchewan schools. This includes
an increase in the foundation operating grant of $13.5 million and a
grants-in-lieu contribution of $3.4 million.
Students in Saskatchewan need safe and well-equipped schools in which
to learn. A total capital budget of $24.2 million will help to meet
this goal.
"We are committed to providing Saskatchewan students with a high
quality education that will give them the skills and knowledge they
need to participate successfully in society throughout their adult
lives," Serby said. "The majority of the 3.5 per cent increase to the
operating grant is an increase to the per pupil grant school boards
receive to support students and teachers in our classrooms."
The $3.4 million in provincial grants-in-lieu of taxes is more than
twice the amount of grants-in-lieu paid directly to Saskatchewan
school boards last year.
Distance education and learning technology initiatives get a
$1 million dollar boost.
"Technological literacy will contribute greatly to our students'
success in the future," Serby said. "We want to equip teachers
with the skills they need to use new learning technologies
effectively in classrooms across the province."
Saskatchewan is recognized across Canada for successful
community-based education initiatives for at-risk children.
"We are building on this success by providing an additional
$2 million for community and Aboriginal education in various
communities such as Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, North
Battleford, Yorkton, Meadow Lake and Fort Qu'Appelle."
This includes funding for five new Community Schools in the
province, as well as five new pre-kindergarten programs.
Pre-kindergartens provide critical early learning opportunities
to three and four-year old students from low-income
neighbourhoods. Support to Aboriginal students in our schools
will be enhanced through new initiatives like the Aboriginal
Elders-In-School program.
Six major capital projects will be announced when consultations
with school divisions are complete. Approximately 100 other
capital initiatives will be identified in consultation with local
school divisions over the following few months.
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For more information, contact:
Craig Dotson
Saskatchewan Education
Regina
Phone (306) 787-7071