Scott Moe's Education Legacy? Neglect.
A decade ago, a report of this magnitude would have dominated the front pages of both major Saskatchewan newspapers.
The Sask Party’s approach to public education has more or less been murder, and this new report on the state of K-12 reads like a coroner’s inquest.
Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan was released by the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy on Tuesday (today is Friday) and has received no media attention.
Frankly, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
The report is unflinching in its assessment, even including handy “Principle Violated” graphics to drive home what should not be complicated, but seemingly has become so.
“This paper identifies a significant policy problem: a pattern of provincial decisions that concentrate power, reduce local accountability, and undermine the democratic governance of education in Saskatchewan.” - Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan, June 24, 2025
For years, the Sask Party has treated K-12 education like a weed: cut it back, starve it, pave it over.
The report shows that K-12’s portion of the provincial budget has declined, from 26% in 2014-15 to 21.92% in 2023-23.
Saskatchewan had the lowest education spending increase in Canada from 2012-13 to 2019-20 at just 5.2%, compared to the national average of 17.8%.
The consequences today are impossible to ignore.
I realize this may not get much attention on the last Friday in June, but it’s too important to let pass without comment.
I urge you to make it a point, at least before the school year resumes next fall, to read the full report.
Meanwhile, here are the highlights.
Chronic Underfunding
Again, per-student funding in Saskatchewan is bottom of the pack nationally.
Inexcusable.
While the Sask Party brags about “record investments,” the reality is that inflation and enrolment growth have negated every dollar.
Yet,
“….the ministry of education has partnered with other provincial ministries to develop online courses aimed at preparing students for industry (demonstrating a clear willingness to invest in programming that aligns with its own economic and political agenda)…” - Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan, June 24, 2025
Teachers are stretched to a breaking point, classrooms are overcrowded, and support staff are vanishing.
Achievement Gaps Widening
Saskatchewan kids are falling behind, especially those from lower-income and Indigenous backgrounds. Achievement gaps are growing, not shrinking.
Erosion of Public Trust
Parents, teachers, and even school boards have been left out in the cold.
Consultation is a bad joke. Decisions are made behind closed doors, then handed down like commandments from Chairman Moe. The educators handling our kids don’t feel valued or respected.
“They have eroded democratic governance, replaced collaborative decision-making with unilateral control, and strained long-standing relationships with school divisions, teachers, and educational organizations.” - Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan, June 24, 2025
Privatization by Stealth
Here’s one we’ve known for years: as public schools are starved, private and alternative options are expanding with public dollars attached.
The Sask Party’s vision for education is a two-tier system: a good one for those who can pay, and hot garbage for everyone else.
Moe has betrayed the very idea of public education as a common good.
Teacher Morale in Freefall
Ask any teacher how they’re doing right now.
I dare you.
The answer probably wouldn’t be fit for print.
Between 2013-14 to 2023-24 the province added 25,000 students while actually reducing teaching staff by 15 full-time educator positions.
Educator burnout is rampant, mental health supports are a mirage, and the government’s response is to demonize teachers whenever they speak up. The message for them is clear: shut up.
This is not the way a responsible government should treat its educators. It’s sickening levels of bad faith being displayed towards public servants from a first world, democratically elected government - unthinkable in Saskatchewan, not that long ago.
We must make it so again.
These are our kids.
I had such a strong, solid public education growing up in Saskatoon. It breaks my heart that today’s kids don’t get that experience. I can’t believe this is what my own kids and grandkids are left with.
“This is not simply a change in budget mechanics. It is a democratic rupture.” - Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan, June 24, 2025
Public education is not a line item. It is the backbone of any healthy town, city and community. It’s a sacred childhood institution, not a political football to be punted down the field.
If you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who gives a damn about Saskatchewan’s future - pay attention.
Scott Moe and his crew will never stop doubling down on cuts, deflection and blaming anyone but themselves.
Meanwhile, our kids’ future in Saskatchewan grows a little dimmer with every passing school year.
This iteration of the Sask Party government has failed spectacularly. No amount of spin, lies, slogans, or photo-ops can or will change that fact. We bear responsibility because what we’ve tolerated, we’ve validated.
Scott Moe simply cannot be tolerated for one day more than necessary. The idea that he survives his leadership review at this fall’s Sask Party convention is even logical.
“The ongoing funding issues, coupled with unchecked centralization of power in Saskatchewan’s education system has almost irreparably damaged education in the province. It has hollowed out local voice, blurred fiscal transparency, damaged what were once collaborative relationships, and eroded the principle of equity.” Public Money, Private Priorities: The Impact of Education Policy Shifts on Democracy, Equity, and Local Governance in Saskatchewan, June 24, 2025
Our kids deserve so much more.
We all do.
PS: it takes courage in today’s Saskatchewan to tell the truth about its government. Here’s a massive standing ovation for the authors of the Shoyama report.
And with that, Happy Summer Holidays.
Newsrooms in Saskatchewan are done. Stick a fork in it. It’s over.
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