Parents asked for input as Saskatoon Public School Division prepares to make budget cuts

The Saskatoon Public School Division (SPSD) is facing an $8-million operational funding deficit for the 2021-22 school year, and will have to make “some difficult decisions.”

In a letter sent to students, parents, and caregivers dated Thursday, board chair Colleen MacPherson said the provincial government increased operational funding by only 2.3 per cent this year.

That amounts to about $19 million which is divided up among school divisions. The SPSD’s share is $4.6 million.

“That will allow us to cover the contractual obligation of the teachers’ collective agreement, which is a two per cent salary increase for our teachers,” said MacPherson.

“But, what it doesn’t allow us to do is cover any of the inflationary and enrollment pressure costs that we’re facing.”

It means there’s no additional money to address contracted increases for support staff or other student needs.

“These are students that come to us with a variety of challenges — both learning challenges and sometimes complex medical challenges,” she said.

“We are feeling the effects of that lack of funding for supports for learning in our division. (It) covers things like educational assistants, targeted program, assisted technology, all those kinds of things.”

MacPherson said “reductions” will have to be made across the board, but it’s not clear what they might be at this time.

“We’ll be looking for efficiencies in all aspects of our operation,” she said.

The division is also asking parents for their feedback, giving them a deadline of May 3.

All school divisions must balance their budgets; money can’t be borrowed. Final numbers have to be submitted to the provincial government by June 30.

The Saskatoon Public School Division is the largest in the province with an operating budget this year of $243.7 million. Capital expenditures for expenses such as school renovations or building maintenance aren’t affected.