SASKATOON — Due to a significant shortfall in Jordan’s Principle funding, Saskatoon Public Schools is forced to terminate the contracts of approximately 80 temporary educational assistants. This action will take effect two weeks after the school receives the anticipated federal funds from Indigenous Services Canada, says SPS.
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first legal rule in Canada ensuring First Nations children receive necessary government services without delay, regardless of jurisdictional disputes. Named after Jordan River Anderson, a Cree child from Norway House Cree Nation, the principle aims to prevent the kind of bureaucratic delays that affected Jordan’s life.
From 2019 to 2024, SPS managed millions of dollars through Jordan’s Principle, utilizing these funds for tutoring, psycho-educational assessments (comprehensive evaluations of the mental processes that govern academic, social, and personal achievement), and employing educational assistants to support First Nations students.
Based on previous funding patterns, the school division proactively hired additional educational assistants to meet student needs. However, the absence of the expected funding has made maintaining these positions unsustainable.
“This decision was not made lightly. The support provided by these educational assistants has been crucial for student success. We understand the significant impact this will have on our students, families and staff,” said SPS Deputy Director for Education Charlene Scrimshaw.
Despite these challenges, SPS remains committed to supporting all students. Teachers, administrators and support staff will continue collaborating with families to meet student needs. The school division is steadfast in its advocacy for necessary funding and will explore all possible avenues to address this issue.
All families with SPS are being notified of this action, says SPS. Before Friday, Feb. 14, the schools of families directly affected by the removal of educational assistant support will contact them.
