This school year, the provincial government is providing $50.4 million dollars for preventative maintenance which has provided funding for three roofing projects at three schools in the province over the last two years. The funding can be used to replace windows, aging boilers and any other maintenance issues with school facilities.

President of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, Shawn Davidson says they’re happy the government has increased funding for preventative maintenance, although the funding can’t be used towards school additions or portables. Davidson says schools across the province are facing some overcrowding issues, especially ones in urban centres.

The SSBA president adds their boards are aware of the situation along with the government and says the province is working on adding more portables this year. The SSBA is encouraged the province is adding portables, but Davidson notes there is still more work to be done in addressing overcrowding in schools.

Preventative maintenance funding has increased from $16.4 million in 2013-14 to $50.4 million in 2019-20. According to Davidson, the province has a goal of getting preventative maintenance funding each year up to 1 per cent of the value of the school facilities.