On March 1, 2023, Saskatchewan implemented substantial modifications to its education funding framework through Order in Council 62/2023. The Education Funding Amendment Regulations, 2023 amends The Education Funding Regulations, 2018, and affects both public and certified independent schools across the province.

The updated regulations include two critical definitions intended to clarify the qualifications of independent schools eligible for funding:

• • • Certified Independent School: This term designates an independent school that has been issued a certified independent school certificate, affirming its qualification.
    • Certified Independent School Certificate: This certificate is issued under The Registered Independent Schools Regulations, validating the school’s status as certified.

Changes to Section 3:

• • • The updated regulations explicitly include certified independent schools in the funding structure. This inclusion enables these schools to qualify for operating grants under specified conditions.
    • Subsection 3(1) has been amended to reflect this inclusion, expanding the funding criteria to encompass certified independent schools alongside existing educational institutions.

An introduction to Part 4.1:

• • • Part 4.1 – Certified Independent Schools:
      • Operating Grants: This section establishes the eligibility of certified independent schools for operating grants. These grants apply to each pupil enrolled in kindergarten through Grade 12 who resides in Saskatchewan but is not sponsored by a school board.
      • Grant Conditions: Eligibility for grants requires that the school be certified and that the students are residents of Saskatchewan, ensuring that the funding supports local educational entities.

The primary objective of these amendments is to enhance the financial support provided to independent schools in Saskatchewan, thereby addressing their operational needs more effectively. By integrating certified independent schools into the funding framework, the government seeks to ensure a more equitable distribution of financial resources among various educational institutions.

Source: Saskatchewan OIC 62/2023, March 10, 2023.