The provincial NDP’s Education Critic says the SaskParty government can’t believe that cutting dozens of jobs in school divisions won’t hurt the students.

Saskatoon Public Schools announced on Tuesday that it is facing an $8-million shortfall as a result of chronic under-funding from the government. Carla Beck notes that the Premier campaigned on balancing the budget and not cutting services. She says students have already sacrificed quality classroom time because of the pandemic and she expects budget cuts will hinder their education.

Beck says Saskatoon Public Schools will see a ten per cent cut to school budgets and is cutting 67 full-time equivalent positions including 26 teachers and 18 school support positions. The Regina Catholic School Board is cutting busing for 1,000 students, Saskatchewan Rivers School Division is cutting 25 teaching positions and Prairie Valley announced it would be eliminating 36 jobs.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili believes education funding has been a challenge for years with overcrowded classrooms, more students with complex needs and now with the pandemic, some students are struggling with mental wellness and the need for more supports. He says investment in education is an investment in Saskatchewan’s future.