PRINCE ALBERT — The Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division said any funds saved by not having to pay teachers on STF strike days will be used to cover costs incurred from the new collective bargaining agreement.
The STF and provincial government are entering arbitration in December after numerous days of job actions and strikes during the 2023-24 school year.
Director of Education Neil Finch gave a director’s update at the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division Board of Education meeting on Monday. He advised the board that the savings from strike days are to be used to offset whatever comes in a new collective bargaining agreement.
“School divisions aren't saving any money. They are to put it away for increases that are forthcoming,” Finch said.
"Anytime there's a strike day for teachers there is no pay for teachers on that day, and so school divisions across the province have a savings from the budget they were given because they don't pay teachers for a non-paid day,” Finch added
In a letter from the Ministry of Education in January 2024 the Ministry advised divisions to not take action with strike savings until provided direction.
In the letter, the ministry states that because the school division fiscal year end is Aug. 31, the ministry has decided that the money should be used to offset whatever comes after the completion of arbitration.
“That adds up to savings for school divisions, but we really aren't allowed to do anything with that money because it will be used in the result of the arbitration that's upcoming in December,” Finch said.
Sask Rivers ready to welcome back staff and students for new school year
With the first day of school quickly approaching on Sept. 3, the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division is ready to welcome students back.
Monday’s meeting was the first meeting of the new school year, and the Sask. Rivers board spent time welcoming everyone back.
“We're very excited for the energy that's coming in the next week with both staff and students returning,” Education Director Neil Finch said.
"There's not many organizations that get have a fresh start year over year. Education is one of those sectors and it brings excitement every year in August and September to have that fresh start for our students and staff.”
Teachers and staff have returned to schools this week in preparation for the first day of school.
