Earlier this year, the Manitoba government announced that schools in the province are getting an overall 3.5 per cent hike in funding.
That adds up to $79.8 million in new funding for the 2026-27 school year, with $51 million going towards operating costs. The Mountain View School Division was disappointed to learn they'll be getting an increase of just 0.7 per cent next year. That equates to a modest increase of $200,000.
The Swan Valley School Division, meanwhile, is getting a larger increase. They're getting a 2.8 percent increase, adding up to an additional $400,000.
"We're pleased with any kind of increase, to be honest with you," said Rob Tomlinson, SVSD Superintendent. "It's never enough. We're trying to provide programming for students. We're still recovering from our loss to Jordan's Principle funding last year, which was 2.2 million dollars."
The loss of 2.2 million dollars resulted in several staff members in the division losing their jobs.
Tomlinson says it's been a transition period as they had the perfect amount of support staff last year.
"Now we're more of the provincial average. Whenever you take away a third of your support staff, your staff will feel an impact," said Tomlinson. "There's been some changes, adjustments, and discomfort this year now that we live in our new reality."
The Swan Valley School Division's goal is to add support staff next year. While at times it has been a challenging year, Tomlinson is proud of the staff at every school in the division.
The SVSD includes Benito School, Bowsman School, Swan River South School, Heyes School, Minitonas School, Northern Lights Institute of Trades and Technology, Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, and Taylor Elementary School.
"We have a great staff. They're problem solvers," ended Tomlinson. "We were very clear that we wanted an adequate number of staff to appropriately program for our students. That's with the understanding that our staff can make a difference for kids."
Around the Parkland, the Lakeshore School Division is getting $500,000 next year, an increase of 4.8 per cent. That's the fifth-highest increase in the province based on percentage.
Turtle River School Division is getting $200,000 from the province next year, an increase of 2.1 per cent.
