Saskatchewan government has announced a $3.5 billion education budget for 2025-26, delivering an 8.4% increase to school operating funds in what it calls a “record” investment for classrooms.
The spending plan, up $183.5 million or 5.5% from last year, aims to address rising enrolment, classroom pressures, and aging infrastructure.
It includes $2.4 billion for school divisions, a $186.4 million jump in operating funds, alongside $191.3 million for school upgrades and new buildings.
"Ensuring that our children are afforded the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment will provide them with the skills, knowledge, and self-confidence to succeed," said Education Minister Everett Hindley.
"This continued investment in our children's futures addresses enrolment growth and supports the needs of students and teachers in today's classrooms."
The budget allocates $130 million to cover a new teachers contract and enrolment growth, which has strained schools.
Another $54.4 million will address non-teacher staff raises, transportation costs, and inflation, while launching 50 specialized support classrooms for students with complex needs.
Early literacy programs will see a $2 million boost to improve reading skills from kindergarten to Grade 3.
Mental health supports are also expanding, with $4.6 million added to school-based wellness teams, up $1.6 million from last year.
On infrastructure, the province is spending $191.3 million on projects, including 21 new or renovated schools, relocatable classrooms, and planning for future builds.
A 30% increase in maintenance funding ($65 million) aims to reduce repair backlogs.
Libraries and literacy groups will receive $12.7 million combined.
Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte called the budget a “step in the right direction” but stressed more work remains to reverse years of inflation-driven cuts.
“In last fall’s election, the STF asked parties to invest in public education and called for per-student funding to be restored,” said Becotte.
“We know a decade of cuts can’t be addressed with one budget. We are cautiously optimistic this will be the start of continued investments in public education with predictable, sustainable funding that meets the needs of a growing student population.”
While per-student funding, adjusted for inflation, remains $1,850 below 2012-13 levels, she acknowledged this year’s boost narrows the gap.
The STF estimates that fully restoring funding would require another $375 million.
Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) President Shawn Davidson said the budget avoids cuts and addresses “some pressures,” but warned needs still outpace resources.
“This is a step in the right direction and should allow for boards to continue programming at current levels,” said Davidson.
“However, we will work with government on greater investment to address the needs of all students. There’s always more fence than paint, but there are significant investments here. There are major capital projects, particularly in Saskatoon, where growth is substantial.”
Both STF and SSBA emphasized collaboration with the province to address gaps.
Becotte linked education investment to economic growth, saying classrooms prepare tomorrow’s workforce.
Davidson added boards will analyze how the funds affect local programs.
The budget follows a fall 2024 provincial election where education funding was a key issue.
With Saskatchewan’s student population rising steadily, the government says its plan balances immediate needs with long-term planning.
“Budgets reflect priorities and investing in public education is an investment in the future of our province,” said Becotte.
“Saskatchewan has one of the best-performing economies in the country. Saskatchewan students and families deserve access to a properly funded public education system that meets students needs.”