EDUCATION MINISTER ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR NEW CATEGORY OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, CHANGED FUNDING FOR ASSOCIATE SCHOOLS

Government is following through on its commitment to improve student achievement and provide equitable opportunities for all Saskatchewan students. Today Education Minister Donna Harpauer announced government will change the amount of funding provided to boards of education for Associate Schools in the 2012-13 school year. Government will also provide funding to a new category of independent schools, called Qualified Independent Schools in the new school year.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing a high quality education system that supports Saskatchewan's families and attracts new families to our communities," Harpauer said. "These changes will provide parents with more choice for their children's education and fit with the government's goals of growth and security."

Government has committed to funding Associate Schools at 80 per cent of the provincial per-student average. This level of funding is reflective of their participation in the publicly funded education system and will ensure consistent funding levels for all Associate Schools. The ministry will provide funding information directly to Associate Schools so they are aware of amounts that will be allocated to them through Boards of Education on their behalf.

Associate Schools are required to participate in formal student assessments and the provincial accountability framework. They are also required to teach the Saskatchewan curriculum, their teachers are all employees of the Board of Education, and they are subject to the supervision of their respective Boards of Education.

"Associate Schools are very pleased with the equitable funding approach the Minister has announced today," Regina Christian School Chairman Darryl Brown said. "It is important that students who attend Associate Schools receive a common base level of resources wherever they may be located in Saskatchewan as the foundation for their education. We want to specifically acknowledge Minister Harpauer, her staff and this government for addressing this situation in such a fair and appropriate manner."

Qualified Independent Schools will be required to comply with a strict set of criteria to be eligible for funding of 50 per cent of the provincial per-student average. As part of the criteria to receive this new funding, Qualified Independent Schools will be required to participate in the provincial student assessment program.

The Education Act, 1995, makes provision for the registration of Independent Schools by private groups or organizations. This provision allows parents to educate their children in accordance with their conscientious beliefs and provide them with a legitimate exemption from attendance at a public or separate school.

Applications for funding of Qualified Independent Schools can be accessed through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/Qualified-Independent-Schools.

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For more information, contact:

Charlotte McGraw
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: charlotte.mcgraw@gov.sk.ca