N.W.T. School Boards Secure Emergency Funding Amid Funding Cuts

Several school boards in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) have received a one-time financial relief package from the territorial government amid significant changes to federal funding programs. This funding, amounting to up to $14 million, aims to cover educational assistant positions previously funded under the now-modified Jordan’s Principle program.

The N.W.T. government announced this financial support earlier in the year, following federal decisions that eliminated funding for many educational support roles. According to Agata Gutkowska, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, three school boards have qualified for this funding: the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1), the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CSFTNO), and the Beaufort Delta Educational District.

Challenges in Funding Allocation

To access this emergency funding, school boards must first apply any existing surpluses toward educational assistant positions. This requirement has raised concerns among educational leaders. They argue that using surplus funds can undermine their ability to cover other essential expenses.

Gutkowska acknowledged the difficulty of this approach, stating, “This initiative is a temporary measure designed to provide short-term stability during a period of transition.” YK1’s assistant superintendent, Graham Arts, confirmed the board’s priority is to reinstate educational assistants whose positions were eliminated. He noted that the board is still assessing the total number of potential new hires, as they cannot commit to any further staffing until they fulfill obligations to rehire existing employees.

Previously, YK1 stated that it no longer had the resources to maintain 79 educational assistant positions. Arts emphasized that the school district has “carefully considered its options” while also committing to utilize surplus operating funds to address emerging needs.

Funding Disparities Among School Boards

While some school boards have qualified for the funding, others, such as Yellowknife Catholic Schools, are not eligible due to their ongoing multi-year funding agreement with Ottawa. Board chair Tina Schauerte explained in an email that their agreement through Jordan’s Principle limits their access to the territorial funding. She expressed concern regarding the future, stating, “Our Jordan’s Principle funding is set to expire in June 2026,” which could leave new Indigenous students without necessary support.

Schauerte highlighted that the board has already allocated over $400,000 from its surplus to ensure that Indigenous students are not excluded from receiving support. This includes $340,000 for hiring additional classroom assistants and $75,000 for a part-time program support teacher. She underscored the lack of future funding commitments from the N.W.T. government, stating, “Our board will continue to advocate for our district and look forward to working together with the N.W.T. government on finding a solution for predictable and sustainable funding for our Indigenous students.”

As school boards navigate this challenging landscape, the urgency for a stable funding model remains a pressing issue. The decisions made now will significantly impact the educational support available to students in the N.W.T., particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds who rely heavily on these programs.