New Funding Formula for School Boards

A new school board funding formula will be developed this year and implemented starting in 2005-06. A transition plan for the new formula will also be developed this year.

Education Minister Jamie Muir announced today, April 30, that Bill Hogg, former deputy minister of Finance, will lead the initiative in consultation with the school boards.

"Bill is well respected and well known across the province," said Mr. Muir. "He has the experience and expertise to help the department and the school boards develop a formula that is fair and transparent to boards and the public."

Mr. Muir and senior staff met with school board chairs in March to review plans for the new formula and to ensure that they are in agreement with the approach. The terms of reference will be developed in consultation with the boards and then made available to the public.

"We will consult with our public school education partners as we develop a new formula together," said Mr. Muir. "It will be critical to the overall success of the initiative to involve the boards at all stages."

The minister explained that the objective is to ensure equal opportunity for students across the province to receive a quality education. "Our success is not measured in dollars or per student funding. It's giving students in every area of the province, the opportunity to excel and to develop to their fullest potential," said Mr. Muir.