'We're not surprised': STF disappointed with funding deal between Sask. school boards and province

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) are sharing their concerns over the province’s new agreement meant to address classroom supports.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) are sharing their concerns over the province’s new agreement with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SBBA) meant to address classroom supports.

In a news conference held on Friday afternoon, STF president Samantha Becotte said the government’s announcement is “definitely disappointing but not new to teachers,” since they were not part of the decision making process.

Earlier on Friday, the province announced that they signed a multi-year funding agreement with SSBA that it says is meant to address classroom supports including class size and complexity.

This announcement comes as the province and the STF remain at odds over bargaining. The STF has said that it would not return to bargaining until the province’s most recent funding promises were included in a new collective agreement.

In a news release, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the agreement with the SBBA provides a written guarantee for long-term funding,

"Now that our government has made this unprecedented commitment in a signed agreement, it's time for the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation to end their job action and return to the bargaining table, so that students and teachers can return to the classroom."

According to the release, the multi-year funding agreement guarantees a base amount of long-term funding to school divisions and “signifies a shared commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and providing additional classroom supports across the province.”