Province to increase school funding 2.9 per cent this fall

Manitoba will raise operating funding for public school boards by 2.9 per cent (about $51 million) for 2026–27 and add $15.2 million for building-related costs, while independent schools receive $16.6 million.

Manitoba announced a funding increase for schools on Monday, directing nearly $80 million to public and independent schools for 2026–27. The province said operating funding for its 37 public school boards will rise by $51 million, equal to a 2.9 per cent increase, and schools will receive $15.2 million more for building-related expenses. The announcement also earmarked $16.6 million for independent schools and $11.4 million in specific grants to help boards align teacher pay with a new provincial salary grid. Officials said the grants are being distributed to boards based on the size of their harmonization payouts. Key details: - Operating funding for 37 public school boards will increase by $51 million (2.9%) in 2026–27. - Schools will receive a combined $15.2 million for building-related expenses. - Independent schools were allocated $16.6 million. - The province set aside $11.4 million in harmonization grants to support boards in aligning teacher pay with a provincial salary grid. - Winnipeg School Division will receive nearly $1.7 million for harmonization costs; Seven Oaks was allotted $1.12 million and Brandon $1 million. - Manitoba settled a provincewide teacher contract in August 2024 that increased general salaries by about 12% between 2022 and 2026 and established a standardized salary scale for 2026–27. Summary: The government framed the increase as keeping pace with inflation, while the Manitoba Teachers' Society said classroom funding growth is smaller and described it as a decline in real funding. School board officials said harmonization grants cover only part of new salary costs and that local property tax talks are likely as divisions set their budgets. School divisions are scheduled to hold public budget meetings this month, with the Winnipeg School Division planning a meeting on Feb. 24.