The Manitoba government is providing the Mountain View School Division with the smallest increase in provincial funding for the 2026-27 school year.
They'll receive $28.3 in provincial funding next year. That equates to $200,000, an increase of just 0.7%. Of all school divisions in Manitoba, that's the lowest increase.
In a recent talk with MVSD secretary/treasurer Lori Slepicka, she said MVSD is disappointed in the lack of funding.
"We definitely have a question out to the province right now to explain how they came up with that number," said Slepicka.
CKDM NewsNow reached out to the province. While they declined a phone call for comment, Naline Rampersad from cabinet communications did provide an emailed statement.
"Our government has provided increases to Mountain View School Division every single year because we recognize the importance of investing in Manitoba students and our province’s future," part one of the statement read. "This is a far cry from the former PC government. They cut Mountain View School Division’s total budget three straight years between 2017 and 2020. Our government is committed to providing strong, stable public education for all Manitoba students."
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%.
"Despite a decrease in overall enrolment in Mountain View School Division, our government has ensured that no division experiences a reduction in funding, including Mountain View School Division. Funding is based on the best of the most current three years of actual eligible enrolment, helping school divisions manage enrolment fluctuations and plan with greater confidence," added Rampersad in the written statement. "Together, these measures demonstrate the government’s dedication to providing school divisions with the stability and resources they need to support every Manitoba student."
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 going to do the best we can with what we have," ended Slepicka. "We'll continue to question why such a low number. Once we get the details, we can investigate further."
MVSD is holding a public budget forum on March 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the DRCSS in Dauphin and the Roblin Elementary School. The forum will also be held virtually on that day.
