Catholic Division trying to prepare after education budget

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Catholic Division trying to prepare after education budget

The Prince Albert Catholic School Division is trying to stay ahead of the curve for planning after the release of education funding in the 2020 provincial budget that was announced on Monday, June 15. The division is trying to stay ahead of what the future may bring because of the pandemic.

According to director of education Lorel Trumier the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for managing possible eventualities for school in September. She explained that they have avoided costs in the past few months and they will direct those funds to health and safety and the learning side of education.

“And we are trying to balance both those competing needs to the year ahead. But they are the priorities, health and safety as well as the learning agenda. So for that reason we are going to put our students first There was also no funding specific to COVID-19 to support increased staffing levels or the need for resources such as PPE or cleaning supplies.

The school division passed their own budget on Wednesday and it includes many aspects of preparedness.

Instead, during the announcement Monday Harpauer pointed to a $200 million contingency the province has for any new COVID-19-related costs.

“Should there be a solid, defendable case of why classrooms need more funding, particularly COVID-related, that is what the contingency would be there for,” she said.

During last week’s announcement that schools would open in September Wyant explained that if school divisions need funding for a COVID-19 response will be a conversation to be had with divisions.

“We are preparing with what we have and certainly any costs that were avoided or not spent in the last couple of months we are going to have to look at using those dollars on expenditures in areas that we may not traditionally have spent,” Trumier said.

“I think that’s my concern but I don’t think that our school division is unique in that sense, I am certain that school divisions across the province are contemplating those things,” she added.

The division is planning for any eventuality including investing in a new learning portal called Edsby that works for all members of the learning community including parents, teachers and students.

“I am excited for that. I think the approach we are taking in our school division is to recognize some of the, we are trying to recognize this as an opportunity to get better in some areas and certainly the portal will move that forward and COVID providing many constraints,” Trumier said.

She explained that the school division staff are dedicated and they want to continue to working with parents.

“They have been really supportive and to their credit have allowed us to have some time to get our heads wrapped around how we can do this better and so we have been doing that.”

“We haven’t been sitting and waiting we have been very active behind the scenes trying to be proactive in trying to get the learning agenda portion of next year in place knowing that we will have moments that we are all in school and we will have moments where we will not be in school or have some children not be able to be there for a multitude of reasons or staff for that reason. So we are going to be working and planning around that,” Trumier added.

In the COVID-19 update on Tuesday Premier Scott Moe was asked about providing more funding for COVID-19 response. Moe explained that the budget provides $80 million to school divisions and they have seen savings.

“We’re in active conversations with them as to why those savings are and we’re working with our school divisions and our education sector as a whole on what the parameters is and how do we send our children back to school” Moe said.

The conversations with divisions included parameters, costs and possible changes that could occur come September.

“It is our intent that we will be able to … and provide every opportunity for our students to return to school in full attendance in some fashion this fall. we have to make sure we have the parameters in place to make sure that our students are attending school safely,” Moe said.

The 2020-21 Budget provides $2.6 billion for the Ministry of Education, an increase of $123.3 million or five per cent, to support Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms, early learning and child care, libraries and literacy.

The province’s 27 school divisions will receive $1.94 billion in school operating funding for the 2020-21 school year, an increase of $42.1 million over last year’s $1.9 billion budget. This increase provides school divisions with funding for enrolment growth and inflation. An increase related to the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement is included.

-with files from Peter Lozinski and Jayda Noyes, Prince Albert Daily Herald

Catholic Division preparing for September

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Catholic Division preparing for September

The Prince Albert Catholic School division is preparing for students’ return in September.

The board of education for the Prince Albert Catholic School Division received a number of updates at the regular meeting on Monday, June 15. This included an update on the announcement of school returning in September, and some changes to traditional opening events.

Director of education Lorel Trumier updated the board on the work of the Education Response Planning Team. She explained that the team includes School Board Association president Shawn Davidson as well as Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation representative Randy Schmaltz and deputy education minister Rob Currie.

‘They have made some parameters or guidelines and we are waiting for those and as soon as they are released we will be able to also build around it our own COVID-19 preparedness plan for the fall,” Trumier said.

The board also received an update for traditional opening events for the fall, including the mass and barbecue. Trumier explained to the board that the mass, the first event of the school year, and Bishop Albert Thevenot, is not available on the day on the calendar.

“Obviously COVID has changed a few things as well so we are actually going to record that with Bishop Albert and we are going to show the mass in that fashion so we do not have the mass of people over the limits at Sacred Heart. It would be very important for us to adhere to any public health orders ,” Trumier said.

The guest speaker on the faith portion inservice in September would also be pre-recorded. The board was invited to virtually attend these events as well.

She explained that most Catholic divisions are doing a similar method next school year. The point was that they would rather have something in place than nothing at all, and if something changes and everyone can be together, they can make an adjustment.

“At this point we are just being cautious,” she said.

The barbecue is an important part of the start of the year for staff and the committee is working to come up with an alternative.

“I think there is still a way to do that in a COVID-friendly prepared way,” she said.

St. Mary graduation to be recorded this week

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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St. Mary graduation to be recorded this week

he graduating class at Ecole St. Mary in Prince Albert are doing a different kind of graduation this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At their regular meeting on Monday, June 15 the board of the Prince Albert Catholic School Division received a run-down of the scenario from director of education Lorel Trumier.

“We were able to expand what we plan to do for graduation and we are of course going to remain with the safest possible way to do graduation,” Trumier said.

Students will be invited to come to receive their diploma this week (June 15 to 19) in person by appointment with a pre-arranged time and date to come to the school. The appointment will involve the graduates being presented a diploma by Principal Mark Phaneuf and each of the 198 graduates will be recorded on video.

“They are going to have a cap and gown they are going to be able to go onto the stage and receive their diploma,” Trumier said.

The video will be compiled with all of the graduates and released on graduation day, June 25 by email. The video will then be able to shared with family.

“The staff are very excited about putting a production together,” she said.

According to Trumier, spoke about the logistics to support making this happen.

Small groups practicing physical distancing can come through for the diploma handoff, with no more than the 15 people currently allowed under provincial guidelines.

The valedictorian speech, message from Phaneuf, blessing from Bishop Albert Thevenot and representatives from the city and school board will also be pre-recorded.

“We want to make sure that every grad has a chance to cross the floor. For those who are unable to or feel they do not feel comfortable to do that their photo will be used. We have made sure that every graduate has had their grad photos taken,” she said.

The winners of awards will be notified in advance and the awards will be part of the video presentation.

They will gift the cap and gown to the graduates so they can take pictures at home with family.

Saskatchewan Rivers not surprised by education budget

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Saskatchewan Rivers not surprised by education budget

Little changed for the Saskatchewan Rivers School division when Finance Minister Donna Harpauer rose in the legislature Monday to deliver the final 2020-21 budget.

The province introduced its full budget Monday after releasing just the spending estimates in March. The funding for Sask. Rivers stayed the same, and the province fully-funded the new teacher’s salary. However, there was nothing in the budget to address a possible second wave of COVID-19 in schools, or for physical distancing and cleaning measures.

The 2020-21 Budget provides $2.6 billion for the Ministry of Education, an increase of $123.3 million or five per cent, to support Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms, early learning and child care, libraries and literacy.

The province’s 27 school divisions will receive $1.94 billion in school operating funding for the 2020-21 school year, an increase of $42.1 million over last year’s $1.9 billion budget. This increase provides school divisions with funding for enrolment growth and inflation. An increase related to the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement is included.

Saskatchewan Rivers director of education Robert Bratvold was not surprised funding did not change from the March announcement.

“The education budget was in there and so no substantial changes to that which was good. I am thankful, as they said they would, they have provided funding for the new teacher’s agreement in the release so that is a positive thing. I recognize that there increase in education budget is a good thing. I do know that a substantial part of that is capital so that is a reality you have to build new schools you have to have a handle on things,” he said.

“No surprises, good stability, it is good to know that even despite the challenges that even the ministry or the government is placing a priority on education and that is an investment in the future.”

Sask. Rivers is not on the capital list but understands that enrolment doesn’t meet criteria, despite the age of buildings within the division. The budget provides previously-announced capital funding to build seven new schools and renovate three existing schools.

One frustration from the education sector is that a large percentage of funds announced in the provincial budget funds capital improvements and does not go to day-to-day operations. The only operational funding in this year’s budget is to cover the cost of the teachers’ wage increase, cover the cost of inflation and account for enrolment growth. Not all divisions have enrolment growth.

Of the $123.3 million increase to the education budget, only $42.1 million is going to cover operations.

There was also no funding specific to COVID-19 to support increased staffing levels or the need for resources such as PPE or cleaning supplies.

In the COVID-19 update on Tuesday Premier Scott Moe was asked about providing more funding for COVID-19 response. Moe explained that the budget provides $80 million to school divisions and there have seen savings.

“We’re in active conversations with them as to why those savings are and we’re working with our school divisions and our education sector as a whole on what the parameters is and how do we send our children back to school” Moe said.

The conversations with divisions included parameters, costs and possible changes that could occur come September.

“It is our intent that we will be able to … and provide every opportunity for our students to return to school in full attendance in some fashion this fall. we have to make sure we have the parameters in place to make sure that our students are attending school safely,” Moe said,

Yesterday Finance Minister Donna Harpauer pointed to a $200 million contingency the province has for any new COVID-19-related costs across all sectors.

“Should there be a solid, defendable case of why classrooms need more funding, particularly COVID-related, that is what the contingency would be there for,” she said.

During last week’s announcement that schools would open in September Wyant explained that if school divisions need funding for a COVID-19 response will be a conversation to be had with divisions.

Bratvold, however sees that this contingency could arrive and cost the bottom line.

“I think there may be additional costs to school divisions and the Ministry will have in terms of communication, in terms of protective equipment, in terms of additional staffing costs and there is no plan for that. So that is good to know but it would be nice to know if there were some conditions on it.”

The school division would like to see the matter addressed in advance of September.

In addition to the capital funding included in the 2020-21 Budget, the Government announced a two-year capital plan as part of the plans to rebound from the huge economic hit of the COVID -19 pandemic. Over the two years, education infrastructure will see $136.3 million, including, $37.3 million in 2020-21. That $37.3 million figure is made up of $20.4 million for new major capital projects; and  $16.9 million for renewal maintenance projects around the province, including projects that will reduce school operating costs through energy efficiency.

Bratvold observed that the new funding doesn’t make up for education funding challenges of the recent past.

“They are recognizing that but I think that it will take some more recognition of that before you replace the money that has been cut over the last three or four years,” Bratvold said.

Prince Albert Catholic School Division director of education Lorel Trumier was not available for comment as of press time.

-with files from Peter Lozinski and Jayda Noyes, Prince Albert Daily Herald

New platform for online learning coming to Prince Albert Catholic School Division

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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New platform for online learning coming to Prince Albert Catholic School Division

The Prince Albert Catholic School Division is preparing to move over to a new provincial student learning management system called Edsby beginning in August, 2020. At their regular meeting on Monday, June 15 the board of education was walked through what the system can do in preparation for the system coming online in August.

“Teachers can communicate with their families, communicate with their students,” director of education Lorel Trumier said during the presentation.

She said later that if an outbreak situation occurs or students are ill or families have to isolate it will help learning continue.

The Edsby is one platform for all users across the school division. It still allows access to all students with Microsoft 365. Office apps will be available to all students for free download on personal devices while enrolled in the division.

The support is intended to keep students, families and teachers informed and engaged. It allows students to see their schedules and assignments, everyone interacts in a secure environment, parents can see their children’s homework and grades. It allows teachers to obtain pools for planning, attendance and course evaluation. Administrators can also access district -wide analyses and find students at risk.

The division was initially searching for something less involved but came across the platform.

In the meeting Trumier described it as a Facebook of education and mobile-friendly.

Coordinators Murray Henry and Michelle Thomas made the presentation and introduced the remote learning process. The Edsby system is part of a larger Student Information System called MySchoolSask which will be started in August but is for secretaries, administrators and guidance personnel.

Trumier explained that they work under superintendent Tricia McEwen and the team have been instrumental and really supporting the staff to move to remote learning and preparing for doing the work in MySchoolSask.

“Edsby really does support what teachers do in the classroom and I think it is really important to know that it is really important to know that this is a whole learning management system We are used to just having a grade-book as a teacher and this learning system management portal and portal for all students from Pre-K to Grade 12 all using one system. It’s a way for all of the learners and all of the people that are involved with that child as learner to become involved,” Thomas said.

“This isn’t just for teachers this is for the students and it is for the parents as well just to see how their child is doing and there is some really neat features with Edsby One of the things they off is an app so that parents can stay connected to their child’s learning and events that are going on at the school.”

Thomas explained that it was a robust system with lots of possibilities for families and for students. She described it as visually pleasing, easy-to-read and see what is happening in the school, parents can log into many schools in the division if they have children in both high school and elementary school. It is one system for many schools Registration can be done and there is an event calendar for the school community added by administration staff. It also features MyGroup for group assignments and alerts from the app, lost and found, group alerts for things like band or sports or other group activities and can ask to join so it is closed until that process begins.

“It’s a very safe platform in the way that students and parents can interact together,” she said.

There is a separate view for parents/students and teachers.

Lifesaving Society unveils guidelines for reopening swimming pools and waterfronts

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Lifesaving Society unveils guidelines for reopening swimming pools and waterfronts

With the summer months set to begin and parents searching for recreational opportunities for their kids, the Lifesaving Society, Saskatchewan Branch, has unveiled a set of guidelines for reopening swimming pools and waterfronts in the province.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has generated questions and concerns about potential exposure to the virus when aquatic facilities and waterfronts reopen.

The reopening document for pools and waterfront was developed to assist owners and operators of aquatic facilities in minimizing the risk of the virus transmission to employees and patrons once they are able to open,” Shelby Rushton, CEO of Lifesaving Society, Saskatchewan Branch said in a release.

Traditionally, aquatic facilities open for the summer season in late May and early June. There is a considerable amount of work and time that goes into opening a pool such as hiring and training staff, ordering chemicals and lesson materials, filling and balancing the water and so much more.

Now, with the COVID-19 restrictions, additional training of the use of extra personal protective equipment (PPE), changing of rescue procedures to minimize virus transmission and setting up physical distancing procedures will be required.

These restrictions and procedures are important and the Lifesaving Society emphasizes that opening community pools will be a major undertaking and require significant human resource and financial resources. At the same time, if pools are not opened soon, then children will not have the opportunity to learn to swim this summer nor the chance to swim in a safe, lifeguard-supervised environment.

The Saskatchewan government has indicated that aquatic facilities will be opened during Phase 4, but no date has been set so far for swimming pools. Manitoba pools opened on June 1 and Alberta pools were scheduled to open on June 12.

“Both of these provinces only were given a week’s notice for reopening, which, in my opinion, is not enough,” Rushton said.

“We are hoping to hear of an opening date this week from the government, with at least a three week window of preparation before the official opening date.”

Rushton explained that with the knowledge that there will be a shorter season, fewer patrons, and more training for lifeguards leaves operators the difficult decision of whether they should open or not for the summer. Many operators are at the verge of closing their facilities for the summer since they will not be able properly reopen in such a short period of time.

“We recognize how important swimming pools are in communities throughout the province and we are hoping that they can open soon,” said Rushton. “Children need recreational activities and learning to swim can lead to saving lives so that’s why we’ve worked so hard to develop guidelines to assist with their re-opening.”

The guidelines can be viewed at https://www.lifesavingsociety.sk.ca/about-us/lifesaving-society-covid-19-update/.

Mixed reaction to education funding in 2020 budget

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Mixed reaction to education funding in 2020 budget

There was not an entirely positive response to the education portion of the 2020 provincial budget which was released on Monday, June 15 by Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer. The opposition NDP and Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation were displeased with the funding amounts. The Saskatchewan School Boards’ Association (SSBA) also wanted to see more, but was more diplomatic

The 2020-21 Budget provides $2.6 billion for the Ministry of Education, an increase of $123.3 million or five per cent, to support Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms, early learning and child care, libraries and literacy.

The province’s 27 school divisions will receive $1.94 billion in school operating funding for the 2020-21 school year, an increase of $42.1 million over last year’s $1.9 billion budget. This increase provides school divisions with funding for enrolment growth and inflation. An increase related to the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement is included.

“I am proud of how our education system has responded to support our students learning from home during these unprecedented times,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said in a release.

“This budget addresses the growth in our schools while helping to stimulate our province’s recovery with 10 new major school projects. This funding will not only support our students and teachers as they return to the classrooms this fall – it will also plan for the future of education by making a significant investment in new schools.”

There was no funding specific to COVID-19 to support increased staffing levels or the need for resources such as PPE or cleaning supplies.

Instead, Harpauer pointed to a $200 million contingency the province has for any new COVID-19-related costs.

“Should there be a solid, defendable case of why classrooms need more funding, particularly COVID-related, that is what the contingency would be there for,” she said.

During last week’s announcement that schools would open in September Wyant explained that if school divisions need funding for a COVID-19 response will be a conversation to be had with divisions.

The NDP noted prior history with their response on education funding.

“When faced with a smaller economic hit, the government doubled the PST, including adding it to construction, slowing down an already struggling economy and contributing to the pre-COVID-19 recession. They cut health care services for seniors, they cut education from early childhood all the way through to post-secondary education. K-12 education still hasn’t caught up to per-student funding from before that time,” opposition leader Ryan Meili said in media availability.

The budget provides previously-announced capital funding to build seven new schools and renovate three existing schools.

There is no funding for promised new French language schools in this year’s budget. Wyant said a proposal to turn the former Rivier Academy into a new school and community centre would be subject to a third-party study. Proponents of the project had hoped for an announcement this fiscal year.

Harpauer, when asked why it wasn’t included, referred the question to the Ministry of Education.

In addition to the capital funding included in the 2020-21 Budget, the Government announced a two-year capital plan as part of the plans to rebound from the huge economic hit of the COVID -19 pandemic. Over the two years, education infrastructure will see $136.3 million, including, $37.3 million in 2020-21. That $37.3 million figure is made up of $20.4 million for new major capital projects; and  $16.9 million for renewal maintenance projects around the province, including projects that will reduce school operating costs through energy efficiency.

The province is also offering an increase of $1.3 million in operating funding that will be provided to qualified independent schools and historical high schools for the 2020-21 school year, for a total of $11.8 million. This will provide for increased enrolments and increase of student funding to align historical high schools with associate schools.

Community-based organizations, including child care centres, will receive an increase of $2.4 million more than the 2019-20 Budget. Funding for child care and early learning in the 2020-21 Budget is $98 million. This includes an increase of $350,000 in provincial funding for specialized Prekindergarten.

SSBA recognizes challenges offered by pandemic

In release on Monday the SSBA explained that recognizes that the provincial government has committed to supporting schools financially, considering the pandemic context and challenges to fiscal capacity, with today’s 2020-21 budget announcement.

“We will continue working closely with government and all of our sector partners to ensure safety during the pandemic and supports for the education system going forward,” said SSBA President Dr. Shawn Davidson.

“The SSBA is appreciative of the commitment to education represented in the operating and capital funding re-iterated in today’s budget announcement.”

Davidson said the budget provides some assurance to school boards about their operations, which remain in a state of pandemic response, and removes an element of uncertainty going forward.

“The government has taken a step toward addressing calls for predictability, with an allocation of operating funding that reflects pressures of enrolment and inflation,” he said.

“Capital investment is also significant. Operating funding levels for 2020-21 will enable boards to continue doing what they need to do at a base level, though fall short of the significant investment we hoped for to help address some of the challenges in classrooms.”

The full effects of the budget will be better understood going forward as pandemic response and planning for the fall continues, Davidson noted.

STF thinks not enough in budget for existing resources

Despite an increase in education funding confirmed today, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says Saskatchewan’s 2020-21 budget does not provide enough funding to maintain existing resources in a release on Monday afternoon.

“Without accounting for increased costs related to COVID-19, we are already hearing of several school divisions deliberating where to reduce costs to address shortfalls,” said Patrick Maze, President of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

A lengthy labour dispute resolved earlier this year centred, in part, on concerns surrounding class size and composition. Teachers said they were already lacking resources to address class sizes and increasing complexities across the province. Some school divisions reportedly dealt with a shrinking education budget by reducing funds spent on caretakers.

“In a time when enhanced cleaning will be necessary to keep students and staff healthy, no division should be in the position of having to consider cutting caretaker resources.”

The STF says the challenges created by lack of resources, including complex classes did not disappear with the move to remote learning.

“Teachers have done a remarkable job shifting to emergency remote learning, but without enough of the right resources, students will pay the price,” said Maze.

“Emergency remote learning has only made the inequities more evident. Teachers need to be supported and students need access to resources in order to succeed.”

The Federation expects funding to be attached to the education guidelines government issues so the health of students and staff is protected through appropriate cleaning, social distancing and other precautions without further reducing educational resources for students.

-With files from Peter Lozinski and Jayda Noyes, Prince Albert Daily Herald

Province sees largest jump in new COVID-19 cases since May with 18 cases

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Saskatchewan saw the largest jump in COVID-19 cases since late May with 18 new cases reported for Monday, June 15. Thirteen of the new cases are in the far north.

Most of the cases are connected to a wake on June 10 and a funeral on June 11 that were the subject of a precautionary health advisory issued by the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health Authority on June 11.

In the government release Health officials reminded the public of the importance of maintaining physical distancing practices to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and for all those who attended these events to immediately self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of attendance.

“While our numbers had been lower over the last few days, this increase is a reminder that COVID-19 is still in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Large public gatherings increase the risk of transmission. Everyone should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing.”

As well, three of the new cases are in the Saskatoon region. Two cases are individuals who tested positive in Saskatchewan, but who live out of province.

These cases are under further investigation.

Of the 683 reported COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan, 41 are considered active. A total of 629 individuals have recovered.

There are currently 13 deaths reported.

The number of recovered has risen to 629. The total number of cases is 683.

Of these there are 277 of the cases are from the far north, 181 are from the Saskatoon area, 112 are from the north, 80 are from the Regina area, 17 are from the south and 12 are from the central region.

The last large number of reported cases was 21 cases reported on May 20.

There are two people in hospital with illnesses related to COVID-19. One is receiving inpatient care in the north and one person remains in Saskatoon in intensive care.

There are currently 52 cases who are health care workers; however, the source of the infections is not related to their work environments in all instances.

Of the 683 cases in the province: 146 cases are related to travel, 409 are community contacts, which includes mass gatherings, 80 have no known exposures and 48 are under investigation by local public health.

The age breakdown shows 104 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, 240 cases are in the 20-39 age range, 195 are in the 40-59 age range, 114 are in the 60-79 age range and 18 are in the 80-plus range.

The gender breakdown shows 51 per cent of the cases being females and 49 per cent being males.

As of June 15, 56,223 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province an increase of 567 from Sunday.

In their release the province reminded citizens that the revised Places of Worship Guidelines apply to all worship services, including celebrations of life, weddings and outdoor ceremonies. No food is to be served in any of the above allowed gatherings and physical distancing measures still apply.

This comes after the first weekend where places of worship were opened.

Virtual services remain the recommended option for the above services.

Restrictions remain in place for gatherings that are not worship services or graduations.

All other public and private gatherings sizes remain at a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors, while maintaining a two-metre physical separation both indoors and outdoors.

RM of Buckland passes budget without raising taxes

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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The RM of Buckland was able to pass a budget without increasing taxes despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The RM council passed their budget at the regular meeting on Monday, June 8.

According to Reeve Don Fyrk, they were able to pass the budget without tax increases and help out ratepayers who may face uncertain futures.

“We don’t know how many people are out of work and have to stay home because of it. So if you are not working you are not making any money and so it is only fair if you are not making any money to help out those if we can,” Fyrk said.

It didn’t come without some adjustments to some of the budget. The RM had another budget meeting for Monday, May 25 to further discuss the budget ahead of passing it on Monday.

“We had to slash $184,000 but we got it slashed.”

According to Fyrk they were able to keep most of the regular budget items in place.

“There was just a few things that we had to slash and people won’t even notice,” he added.

“Our budget has everything that we need we have budgeted for. To balance everything without increasing taxes is what we had to do so that is where we did the hacking and the slashing,” Fyrk said.

He explained that they did what they could for the benefit of the ratepayers in the RM.

The RM experienced a washout of the Buckland Bridge and flooding in the Shell River Heights area. The flooding exposed a problem with a berm in Shell River Heights. The RM will now have to rebuild and enhance the berm so the flooding stops in the area and protect the ratepayers. Several ratepayers attended the meeting as a delegation on Monday to discuss the problems arising from the flood.

“We had a delegation of the people it was affecting in and they are willing to split the cost of repairing the berm and building it up,” Fyrk said.

Fyrk was pleased that the ratepayers were able to find a way to work with the council to find a solution to the berm issue. This was an unforeseen expense and they were able to work together.

“There was nothing in the budget for that so if we can get them to share there and what we are doing right now is we are looking to some government sources to give some help from the government with some grants.”

They hope to have the berm project completed this year because the problems are ongoing.

“It is going to take a while to line up some money and contractors,” he said.

Fyrk has wishes that this year will not have any more weather issues for the area.

“I just hope that Mother Nature agrees with us now and that we can start getting some work done on our roads. That rain has really wreaked havoc on the roads. That one night there where it came straight down we got two inches in I bet two hours it has just been nuts so it is just little by little that Mother Nature is going to help us out,” Fyrk said.

Saskatchewan Rivers school board reviews possible changes to policies

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Saskatchewan Rivers school board reviews possible changes to policies

The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division board of education continues to try to improve how they work. The board worked through their 2020-2021 Annual Work Plan which worked to streamline and change how they will work with their policy at their regular meeting on Monday, June 8.

“One of the biggest roles of a board is to insure that policies are effective and current and so the board regularly monitors their policy and last night they approved some changes to policy with slight revisions,” director of education Robert Bratvold said.

Bratvold explained that the board also put together a policy committee to look more in depth at current policies that they have discussed..

“Three of them required more depth of conversation and so they have approved that in terms of several board policies and do some work over the summer but mostly in the coming months and will report back to the board in the fall,” he said.

The board reviewed policies and will approve the changes after review at their final meeting of the school year on Monday, June 22.

The plan goes through each month of the upcoming school year and made suggestions for changes to what is dealt with at each meeting.

Some suggested eliminations for the work plan included not reviewing the financial statements each month or the Transportation Quarterly Reports which they receive from the Ministry of Education.

The financial statements and Transportation Report will instead be reviewed semi-annually.

Additions include approving a Saskatchewan Rivers legacy document for the board in their current form to be passed on to the new board after the 2020 election in October. Another suggested change was moving approval of voting delegates to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) Convention from October to November.

In February, 2021 they have added reviewing new program initiatives such as the Global Sports Academy coming to Carlton Comprehensive Collegiate and the Cree Language Program.

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