Distribution of Provincial Funding

The education system in Saskatchewan is a balance between provincial responsibility, priorities and local school board autonomy.  Boards of education have discretion in budget allocations and considerable flexibility for individual schools and communities.  School divisions will continue to make budget allocations to support the Continuous Improvement Framework for a strong, accountable education system that ensures the best teaching, learning, and achievement results for Saskatchewan students.

Changes in Provincial Funding

This year's budget introduces significant changes for funding the province's education system. The government will cut and cap education property tax rates by setting province-wide mill rates for each of the three major property classes - residential, commercial, and agricultural.  The education property tax will still be collected by municipalities and provided to school divisions.  The balance of school division funding will be provided through the province's General Revenue Fund. 

Minority-faith school boards will have the option to levy different tax rates, as per their constitutional right, from members of the minority faith.  The rates must be in the same proportion by property class as government tax rates.  If the board levies different tax rates, their grant allocation will be adjusted to ensure that school division equity is maintained.

With these changes, government is fulfilling its promise to achieve a fairer balance for education funding by increasing the amount of government funding for education, ensuring the education system is properly funded, and significantly reducing the education portion of property taxes.  With these changes, we are continuing to make life more affordable for Saskatchewan people.  This tax reduction, as well as the significant income tax reductions we have already provided, is an important step toward keeping Saskatchewan's economy strong and steady.

 2009-10 Funding Guide

Questions & Answers for Property Owners

Questions & Answers for School Divisions