A local perspective on education funding issues was the topic of conversation last week between representatives from the Chinook School Division and the Minister of Education. 

The southwest school division invited Jeremy Cockrill to visit Swift Current for both parties to learn more about each other as he gets settled into his new role.  

Board Chair for the division, Kim Pridmore, said they shared some challenges that are unique to Chinook.  

“All of the things we discussed were around advocacy for funding,” she added. “Our goal is always just to share some things that a new Minister might not be aware of happening in this corner of the province.” 

The focus of discussion on Tuesday was similar to what the Chinook School Division brought to local communities around the southwest for the Funding Informational Meetings last fall.

“It was a really, really good meeting, very positive,” said Pridmore. “We felt that he really had a good understanding of the information we shared with him—some of the really localized needs, of course, are different for every division but we were really pleased with the meeting.  

“Our goal is just always to advocate for funding, and when you've got the Minister willing to sit and listen and acknowledge some of the challenges and be genuinely committed to trying to make things better in our sector, I think that's a win for education,” she added. 

While Jeremy Cockrill was in Swift Current during the STF strike last Tuesday, Pridmore stated the timing was coincidental.