The Sask. Party government has announced increased funding for Roadways Literacy Academy, a private school in Saskatoon, while public schools continue to face challenges stemming from more than a decade of underfunding.
The school will receive $403,000 in funding, an increase of $175,000, along with additional funding of up to $1.56 million through March 2029.
Roadways Literacy Academy is a private Saskatoon school that already charges families tens of thousands of dollars in tuition each year.
“Our public school system is collapsing under the strain of more than a decade of chronic underfunding,” said Karla Sastaunik, chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee (EWSC). “Education support workers are increasingly having to do more with fewer resources. At a time when public education is struggling to meet students’ needs, the Sask. Party is increasing funding to private education. This is unacceptable.”
The EWSC continues to call for increased investment in public education so education workers can focus on the jobs they were hired to do: support student learning. Instead, many support workers are stretched thin by growing responsibilities, including medical procedures, personal care, and behavioural support, leaving less time for academic assistance students need to succeed.
“Every dollar directed to private schools is a dollar not being invested in Saskatchewan’s public classrooms,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Public schools are facing overcrowded classrooms, increasing complexity, and a lack of supports, leaving education workers stretched to their limits. Scott Moe needs to stop funding private schools and start investing in the public education system that Saskatchewan communities depend on.”
The CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee represents over 7,000 education support workers across the province.