The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Sask. Party government to go back to the chalkboard and come up with a real plan to guide school re-opening in September.

“Families and teachers all want our kids to return to school safely this fall, but they also want to see a real plan,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “For parents and teachers concerned about how schools will respond and adapt, what the Premier has put forward deserves a failing grade.”

Specifically, the Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the government to release a plan that contains dedicated funding, as well as contingencies for more than one scenario, such as:

• Low case transmissions such as the current guidelines envision;
• Increased case transmissions that would trigger new public health orders – such as a reduction in class sizes to 15 students maximum; and
• High caseloads, which would require a return to learning from home for most students.

“What we are calling for is the kind of work that is already being done in other provinces, including our neighbours in Manitoba and Alberta,” said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck. “With the frustration we have heard from teachers and parents over the government’s vague and unfunded guidelines, it is crucial that this government get back to work and provide families with a real plan that meets our shared goal: the safe return to school for our kids in September.”