The class sizes in Saskatchewan schools has been a hot-button topic for the past several months with the NDP and the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation saying it is one of the biggest issues facing the province.
Education Minister Gord Wyant has decided it is time to try and fix the issue so he is forming a nine-member committee in an attempt to fix the problem as early as September 2020 when kids go back to class.
The committee will consist of representatives from the STF, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, the ministry of Education along with academics, professional staff and parents.
Deciding which parent will sit on the committee could be tough because of the various issues parents have with schooling, but Wyant feels that won’t be a problem.
“There has been a number of parents that have reached out to express some concerns about class composition — particularly parents who have children with high needs.” Wyant told reporters after Question Period Wednesday. ” I think those are the parents in particular that I want to hear from.
The NDP is looking at the committee with skepticism and hesitancy. Education critic Carla Beck says it is an issue that is concerning from border-to-border and more definitive action must be taken.
“The feedback we have heard from our townhalls is that they are looking for action today.” Beck said. “These issues need to be addressed now whether it be a mid-year infusion or something else. They can’t ignore this any longer. We have been to Moose Jaw to North Battleford to Cumberland House and the urgency is high everywhere. They need to hear this at the budget table and take action.”
