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CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Sask. Teachers' Federation says new deal not the cause of possible changes to Regina band program
Grade 11 student Rachel Zurburg has been part of Regina Public Schools band program for six years. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News) The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) says its new Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement (PCBA) with the province is not the direct cause to possible restructuring of Regina Public Schools' elementary band program. The STF's claim comes after it was revealed that Regina Public Schools may restructure its elementary band program for the 2025-26 school year. The revelation caused some students, parents and teachers to worry the program's quality would suffer as a result. 'A memo from the school division seems to imply the division's funding challenges are the result of the new 2023-2026 provincial collective bargaining agreement. This is simply not true; new class complexity clauses in the PCBA are ensuring school divisions receive more funding from the province to support student's needs,' the STF said in a news release Wednesday. According to the STF, while some school divisions will still be faced with difficult decisions in their budgets, it's important to be clear they are not a result of the PCBA. 'As a result of binding arbitration, the provincial government has provided additional funding to school divisions to fund the class complexity clauses of the PCBA. This includes fully funding approximately 515 new teaching positions and a $20-million class complexity fund,' the STF said. STF President Samantha Becotte says band and other music programs exist because they offer important opportunities for students' learning and development. On May 29, Regina Public Schools said that it is still in the process of finalizing it's approximately $300 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, adding it will be solidified on June 24. 'Therefore, nothing has been finalized with respect to the band program or anything else,' the division said, adding that no layoffs would happen if a restructuring of the program were to take place. 'The arts, including band, is important to Regina Public Schools students and their families and staff. The elementary band program complements but is not integral to the ministry's education strategy,' the division said. Regina Public said that 2025-26 is a unique budget year, as significant funding has shifted to addressing classroom complexity following the new collective bargaining agreement. 'Zero funding is provided by the provincial government for elementary band programs, so funding that program at previous levels could come at the expense other programs that support Regina Public Schools' 27,000 students.' According to the school division, it is looking to restructure how it delivers elementary band so it can more efficiently use the targeted funding it receives from the province. 'As part of the budget process, Regina Public Schools is working to align programs and services with the provincial education strategy, which is tied to funding,' it added. The division's new strategy is focused on Kindergarten to Grade 3 literacy, more space for students and classroom complexity. As part of its most recent education budget, the provincial government identified Kindergarten to Grade 3 literacy as a priority. Regina Public said that if any restructuring of its elementary band program was to take place, it would be equitable and transparent. 'Regina Public Schools will continue to offer an elementary band program; it may just look a little different in the new school year,' the school division said. 'We all need to work together to ensure that students' needs are met; teachers and parents can't do it alone,' Becotte said in the release 'If provincial funding falls short of what is needed to meet priorities within the division, trustees and division leadership share in the responsibility to advocate for improved funding.' -With files from Sierra D'Souza Butts
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Canadian education leaders discuss class safety, retention in Sask. meeting
The presidents of teacher associations and federations from across the nation gathered in Whitecap, Sask. from May 26-27, 2025. STF President Samantha Becotte is located in the first row, fourth from the left. (Source: STF) The leaders of teachers' organizations across Canada gathered just south of Saskatoon earlier this week to discuss priorities for educators – including classroom safety and the retention of workers. The meeting, which included nearly 20 representatives from teachers' associations and federations, was held in Whitecap. According to an announcement from the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF), the group renewed collaboration efforts and priorities. They include: Reducing class sizes to improve student support Increasing the number of education specialists and support staff a Addressing class complexity and ensuring safer learning environments Transparent reporting of violent incidents and including actions taken 'Together, these priorities reflect what's urgently needed to create conditions where students and teachers can succeed,' the STF announcement read. 'Access to high-quality public education for all students is a cornerstone of Canadian culture and values and contributes to a strong economy and democracy.' A 2024 survey from the Canadian Teachers Federation showed that 95 per cent of educators feel that staff shortages are negatively affecting students, while 55 per cent of teachers reported having experienced violence or aggression in the past year. The STF recently came out on top following a more than year long labour dispute – where class complexity and staffing concerns were stand out issues. Independent arbitration eventually ruled that class complexity measures would have to be included in collective agreements going forward for Saskatchewan teachers.
