The Education Employees Steering Committee of the SCFP-Saskatchewan (EWSC) launched a new campaign to highlight the work of education support staff and to re-advocate for adequate funding for K-12 classes.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us in the education sector,” said Rob Westfield, Education Support Staff and President of the EWSC. ” The COVID-19 changed the lives of our children. Education support workers have repeatedly put their health on the line to give our children the quality education they deserve. “
The COVID-19 highlighted the importance of well-funded public education.
“Even though the Government of Saskatchewan has boasted that its education budget is ‘the largest in history’, school divisions face yet another year of shortage,” added Rob Westfield. “The budget only provides for a small 1.1% increase in operating costs for school divisions, which does not even fully cover the costs of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation contract. “
In addition, five school divisions that employ members of the SCFP receive reduced operating grants from the provincial government: Holy Trinity RCSSD No 22, Living Sky School Division 202, Prince Albert RCSSD No 6, Saskatchewan Rivers School Division No 119 et South East Cornerstone School Division No 20.
“I am deeply concerned that the lack of funding is having an impact on frontline supports for students,” said Rob Westfield. “This is why the EWSC launched a province-wide radio and video campaign. We are asking relevant community members to share the campaign on social media and connect with their elected representatives. “
The SCFP represents over 7,000 Saskatchewan education support staff. For more information, see on www.wheresthefunding.ca (English only).
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