Source: CTV News, March 22, 2016
Report cards and pink slips could be handed out at Prairie Spirit schools at the end of this school year.
The school division is estimating a $3-million funding shortfall for the 2016-17 year and says 74 positions — including teachers, education assistants and other staff — could be cut as a result.
“It’s a huge decision for us. We’d love to be able to sit back and say nothing and have everything work very well, but over the last four years, things haven’t been going that well,” said Prairie Spirit board chair Larry Pavlov.
The division, which consists of 45 schools in rural areas and communities surrounding Saskatoon, sent a letter to staff and parents Tuesday about the potential cuts.
“To give staff adequate notice, staffing reductions must be planned before the release of the provincial budget, which we are told will not be available until sometime in May,” the letter read.
Education Minister Don Morgan questioned the timing of the announcement.
“We’re deeply disappointed with the Prairie Spirit for having chosen to do this,” he said. “To do this right now, midway through an election, is pure politics and is unnecessary.”
The division responded, saying the move is not political.
NDP Leader Cam Broten said the Saskatchewan Party is failing when it comes to education.
“During a boom time, the discussion around board tables has been one of doing more and more with less and less,” Broten said.