CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee, EWSC, is calling on the provincial government to commit to meaningful, long-term investment in education infrastructure and maintenance in the 2026 provincial budget to keep schools in rural Saskatchewan open.
In Scott Moe’s own backyard, the community of Laird is facing a school review driven by the costly roof and HVAC replacements needed, which the division doesn’t have the funding to cover. Residents are expected to learn more about the future of their school at a townhall on March 18 at 7 p.m.
“This government is completely overlooking the fact that many of our existing schools are in serious disrepair,” said Karla Sastaunik, chair of the EWSC. “If we don’t properly fund the buildings we already have, communities like Laird risk losing their schools altogether.”
CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson notes that in addition to almost two decades of underfunding, the government continues to ignore the widespread and urgent infrastructure needs across the province.
“Losing a school damages an entire community. What is this government doing to keep schools open – especially in rural Saskatchewan?” asked Peterson. “Infrastructure issues like these should never put a school’s or a community’s future at risk.”
CUPE is urging the provincial government to use the 2026 budget to prioritize:
- Repair and maintenance of existing schools
- Long-term infrastructure planning that prevents closures
- Stable, adequate education funding
“We need a budget that supports all schools – not just new construction but the essential upkeep that keeps classrooms safe, functional, and open to the students who depend on them,” added Peterson.