The provincial government has created a consultation team that will help with developing a new education funding model in Manitoba.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen says it has been decades since the last review.

The consultation team will be made up of government officials and representatives from a number of organizations. The minister added that this team will guide the work to create a funding model that will support planning and provide flexibility to school and regional leaders to help address their local needs.

“We need to simplify funding to schools, better support specialized learning needs and create predictability in funding,” said Cullen. “There is currently $3 billion spent each year on education and the commissioners were clear that in order to improve educational outcomes for students, the system requires greater financial accountability and sustainability.”

The minister noted the new education funding model will ensure equitable funding so that all students succeed regardless of where they live, their background or their individual circumstances.

The current funding model was implemented in 2002-2003.

“We’re trying to be transparent to make sure students are getting the resources they need.”

The minister noted the funding model review team is being finalized but will include broad and diverse representation from a number of organizations, including First Nations schools, independent schools, school superintendents, municipal organizations and parent councils, among others.

“Our engagement with stakeholders will be broad and include representatives who are reflective of Manitoba to ensure their voices will be heard during the development of a new funding model.”

Consultations with education and jurisdictional stakeholders are scheduled to begin in January 2022 and the project is to be completed by February 2023.

The new funding model is expected to be in place for the 2023-24 school year.