Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced it is increasing its investment in schools by $79.8 million for the 2026-27 school year.
$11.4 million goes towards public school funding to support divisions most affected by teacher salary harmonization. The 3.5 per cent funding increase for public schools will help manage enrolment changes and ensure students have the supports required to succeed.
School funding for the next school year will total $1.995 billion.
Locally, the Mountain View School Division is disappointed with the numbers. They'll receive $28.3 in provincial funding. For the 2026-27 school year, MVSD will receive $200,000 more. That's an increase of just 0.7%. That marks the lowest increase in the province.
In comparison, the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine is getting the highest increase in the province at 9%. Brandon is getting a 6.4% increase.
Lori Slepicka is the secretary/treasurer for MVSD.
"It's very disappointing. We are still waiting for the details on how that money is made up," said Slepicka to CKDM NewsNow.
Slepicka says the $200,000 increase next year is not enough. MVSD's total budget is about $53 million. About 80% of that is salaries. The harmonization costs alone will be around $1 million.
"We're not anywhere close to covering just salary cost. Not to mention increases in insurance," added Slepicka. "All costs are going up. From software to computers and hardware. We have aging infrastructure and very little help from the province for capital projects. The $200,000 isn't going to go very far."
MVSD has had two grants for the last five years. They're called the Teachers' Idea Fund grant. They were both about $150,000, and they're coming to an end. That means $300,000 less in funding.
"Of course, you expect grants to come to an end. They were good programs," said Slepicka. "We're looking at needing to find that money elsewhere to continue that great programming, or make cuts elsewhere."
Around the Parkland, the Swan Valley School Division is getting an increase of $400,000 next year. That's an increase of 2.8%. Turtle River School Division is getting an increase of $200,000. That's an increase of 2.1%.
Park West School Division is getting an increase of $100,000, which equals 1%.
"We're going to do the best with what we've got and will continue to question why such a low number," ended Slepicka. "Once we get the details, we'll be able to investigate it further."
MVSD will host budget consultations later this year. Details on those meetings will be released early next month.
