In direct response to community feedback, Budget 2026/27 is an investment in the foundational pillars of our educational system. The new budget allocates resources to launch several impactful programs and initiatives:
1. Reducing Financial Barriers for Families:
We are committed to making education accessible and equitable for all students. To ease the financial burden on parents, the budget includes measures to significantly reduce or eliminate many school-related fees:
- Middle Years Supply Fees: A reduction in these fees will ensure that all students have the necessary materials for learning, regardless of their family's financial situation.
- Senior Year Course Fees: We are eliminating fees associated with specific Senior Year courses, encouraging greater participation in specialized programs and helping students pursue diverse academic pathways.
2. Enhancing Transportation Reliability:
Reliable transportation is essential for student attendance and punctuality. To address community concerns about cancelled routes and delays, the budget includes funding for the hiring of additional bus drivers. This strategic increase in staffing will build a more robust and flexible transportation network, reducing service disruptions and ensuring students arrive at school on time and safely.
3. Supporting Student Wellbeing and Engagement:
Student success extends beyond the classroom. The budget funds the launch of a second Peaceful Village After-School Program specifically designed for the John Taylor Collegiate family of schools. This program will offer a safe, supervised, and enriching environment after regular school hours, providing academic support, recreational activities, and opportunities for positive social development.
4. Improving Communication and Administrative Efficiency:
Effective communication between schools and parents is a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan. To enhance this vital connection, the budget funds additional Early Years secretarial support. This added administrative capacity will provide more predictable daily support, helping to ensure that our schools can proactively and consistently communicate with the parents of our youngest learners.
A Collaborative Achievement
I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to our exceptional Senior Administration Team. Their tireless effort, financial acumen, and diligent work in preparing and refining this complex budget have been truly outstanding. Crafting a responsive and responsible budget requires long hours and a deep commitment to our students, and they have delivered a plan that is both fiscally sound and educationally transformative.
Finally, my sincere gratitude goes out to the numerous community members who participated in our consultations, shared their perspectives, and offered their valuable input. As the saying goes, "it takes a village" to raise a child and, similarly, to create a thriving educational system. We are all working in complementary ways—Trustees, Administrators, staff, and the community—to establish the best possible conditions to ensure that every student is set up for success not only at school but in life.
Craig Glennie
School Trustee – Centre Ward
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
For more information on Trustee Glennie, visit his bio.
