BUDGET PROVIDES RECORD SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS

Communities across the province will receive record funding of $117.6 million for Kindergarten to grade 12 school capital projects as part of the Ready for Growth initiative. New projects are slated for the communities of Balcarres, Duck Lake, La Ronge, Oxbow and Porcupine Plain, plus at Humboldt Collegiate, Maple Creek Composite High School, St. Anne in Prince Albert, Scott Collegiate in Regina, and E.D. Feehan and Nutana in Saskatoon.

This funding will also provide for final payments on previously announced capital projects in Norquay and Naicam, Prince Albert Collegiate, Yorkton Regional High School, College Matthieu in Gravelbourg and three high schools in Saskatoon, and fund smaller renovation projects and improve capital planning in all school divisions.

"Education plays a key role in our Government's growth agenda, and continues to be a priority for Government," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "The previous government was planning for declining student enrolment and allowed our schools to fall into disrepair. But now that Saskatchewan is turning a corner, we need to have our infrastructure ready for growth. This year's budget of over $1.186 billion dollars helps us fulfil our commitments and prepare our students for their future in our growing economy."

The $1.186 billion, including teachers' pensions and benefits, supports Pre-K to grade 12 education, the Provincial Library and early learning and child care in the province. This is a $241.7 million or 25.6 per cent increase over last year. The Minister noted the Education Budget meets the following commitments:

• $156.6 million for Education Property Tax Relief is the first step toward doubling the education property tax credit over four years. The agricultural portion of the credit will go from 38 per cent to 47 per cent (average annual savings $2,072) and the residential and commercial portions will go from 10 per cent to 12 per cent (average annual savings $133 for homeowners and $590 for commercial/industry). These tax credits are a bridge to the long-term solution to funding education. 
• A $34.6 million or almost 6 per cent increase to school operating funding for a total of $621.1 million to fulfil the first year of the commitment to increase these grants by 20 per cent over four years. This amount fully funds teachers' salary increases.
• $1 million to fund Schools of Opportunity of up to $350,000 per qualifying schools. 
• A $500,000 increase in funding for nutrition in Community Schools to improve the health and learning potential of these students. This will support higher levels of achievement for students in Community Schools.

"My Government promised to maintain funding for child care and early childhood learning and development initiatives," Krawetz said. "In fact we have done better. With the addition of the new funds from the Federal Government, we have provided an 11.3 per cent or $3.4 million increase to child care facilities funding, and invested an additional $2 million in pre-kindergarten."

The Minister noted that more families are recognizing the benefits of quality early learning and child care, and economic growth is increasing the need for child care spaces.

"To address this growing need for child care, 500 new spaces will be funded for a total of $1.7 million, enabling more parents to work or further their education and to participate in the province's growing economy," Krawetz added.

The remaining $1.7 million will fund a wage increase of 4 per cent for child care centre staff effective April 1, 2008. Social Services will receive funding to increase child care subsidy supports.

The $2 million investment in pre-kindergarten programs will increase the number of funded programs by 38, bringing the total number in the province to 193, serving over 3,000 children. Funding will be available to help school divisions and communities develop community resources that contribute to school readiness.

"Research has indicated that investment in the early years fosters literacy and school achievement," Krawetz said. "Increased pre-kindergarten opportunities for children also strengthens the connection between families and schools and supports student achievement."

This year's budget includes a $3 million increase for intensive supports for students with learning difficulties, disabilities and disadvantages, recognizing the increased number of students requiring specialized supports.

There is a five per cent increase for the 10 public library systems with over 300 individual library locations. This includes an increase to support library internet connectivity through CommunityNet and to support resource sharing. In total, libraries in the province will receive $8.3 million in support from the Ministry of Education.

"To ensure that we, as a province, are ready to say ‘yes' to opportunity, we need to help all our students succeed in school," Krawetz said. "This budget supports that goal and helps to ensure that all Saskatchewan young people benefit from the growing economy."

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609