Manitoba Regulation 27/2024 introduces amendments to the Funding of Schools Program Regulation (160/2022), updating critical aspects of the funding framework for the 2023-2024 academic year. These revisions incorporate more current data and improve the alignment of funding calculations with recent demographic and socio-economic trends. Key updates include modifications to enrollment timelines, funding formula descriptions, and socio-economic rates to ensure equitable distribution of resources across school divisions.

One major change is found in subsection 2(4), where the reference period is shifted from “2022-2023” to “2023-2024,” and Schedule A.1 is replaced with Schedule A.2. This adjustment ensures that the funding framework accurately reflects the current academic year. Similarly, section 3 is revised to align with the updated 2023-2024 period, maintaining consistency throughout the regulation.

Another significant adjustment is made in subsection 30(2), where “and BB” is removed to simplify the regulation’s structure. The title in Schedule A is revised from “(Section 6)” to “(Section 5),” correcting previous referencing errors. The Table in Schedule A is amended in Item T to update the eligibility periods, replacing the timeframe “September 30, 2020 to September 29, 2021” with “September 29, 2021 to September 29, 2022,” and updating subsequent periods to match the new 2023-2024 timeline. The enrollment figures in the formulas are revised to reflect updated data from Schedules A.1, A.2, and A.3, aligning funding calculations with the most recent student enrollment statistics.

Item Y is also revised, with the total funding amount adjusted from “$61,968,318” to “$63,981,029,” indicating an increase in funding. The per-student allocation in the formula is updated from “$685,904” to “$769,412,” reflecting a reassessment of financial needs. The formula now includes averages for resident pupils enrolled on September 30, 2020, September 29, 2021, and September 29, 2022, and includes the most recent enrollment figures from Schedule D.2. In Item AA, the percentage factor is changed from “0.98” to “1.00,” updating the calculation parameters for more accurate funding assessments.

Schedule E, which details per-pupil rates based on socio-economic indicators, is replaced with updated figures based on 2016 census data. The per-pupil rates range from $0 for a 0% indicator to $4,549 for a 100% indicator, establishing a tiered funding approach based on socio-economic needs.

These amendments are set to take effect retroactively from July 1, 2023, aligning the updated funding regulations with the 2023-2024 school year. The revisions, through updated enrollment data, revised funding formulas, and modified socio-economic rates, aim to create a fairer and more responsive school funding system. This approach aims to ensure that resources are distributed in accordance with current student demographics and community needs, strengthening the province’s commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Manitoba (127/2024) November 29, 2024