Trail Talking

Creating a Better Education System

  • Bob Lagassé, Author
  • Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dawson Trail

Our PC government is committed to creating an education system that puts our students first.

We recently announced our Better Education Starts Today (BEST) strategy, a K-12 education system plan that will shift resources from top-heavy administration to the classroom. This plan streamlines the school system by unifying 37 school divisions into one Provincial Education Authority (the authority) while maintaining the French school division, Division Scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM). The authority will manage administrative services and 15 regions will be focused on addressing local needs. Parents will have more meaningful involvement in local decision-making through new School Community Councils.

Manitoba is one of the highest spending provinces on education and getting among the country’s lowest student achievement results in math, science and literacy. We want students to graduate school with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to pursue post-secondary education and a successful career path. This strategy will create a provincial education system that is accountable for results, classroom focused, student centred and parent friendly.

These important changes are expected to free up over $40 million that will be re-invested into the classrooms to support the needs of students. In addition, we remain committed to making $1.6 billion in additional investments in education over the next four years to ensure our students have the best opportunities for success. We are well on track to achieve our election commitment of building 20 new schools across the province, with six already open and in use

It’s time for a change. It’s time to put our students first. For more information on Manitoba’s education system, please visit bettereducationmb.ca.