School division wary over further cuts, local autonomy
Prince Albert’s public school board has been asked to tighten its belt even further, as the province has instructed boards to cut wages or benefits by 3.5 per cent.
In a letter sent to Saskatchewan school division board chairs, direction was given to launch into negotiations with local bargaining agents to meet the request.
Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division (SRPSD) board chair Barry Hollick felt these salary negotiations should be worked out at the provincial level because as a board, they do not bargain locally with teaching staff.
“There is a provincial standard for pay and that is where I believe that any cutbacks should be made. If [the minister] is rolling back salaries, he has got to get the agreement from the teachers,” Hollick said.