“Heavy heart” Wild Rose School Division to lay off 50 educational assistants amid funding uncertainty

The Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) says it will lay off approximately 50 educational assistants as of Dec. 20, 2024, due to ongoing delays in Jordan’s Principle funding. Officials say this decision follows uncertainties surrounding the federal funding that supports educational services for eligible First Nations students.

Jordan’s Principle, a program designed to ensure First Nations children receive timely services, is essential for WRSD’s operations. In May 2024, WRSD says it submitted a group application for federal grant funding to support these services. Historically, grants have been approved at the regional level, allowing WRSD to offer critical educational assistance without interruption. Based on this, the division hired additional educational assistants for the 2024-2025 school year.

However, this year’s funding approval process has been delayed at the federal level, and WRSD is unable to sustain these services without the necessary funding. By the end of December, the division will have already invested approximately $750,000 to maintain these supports for Indigenous students. Despite their commitment to equity, WRSD officials say it cannot continue to absorb these costs.

“Laying off educational assistants will disrupt learning across all grade levels, from early childhood education to high school graduation,” says a letter from Daryl Scott, board chair for WRSD. “Without these supports, critical early learning foundations—which are proven predictors of long-term academic success, including high school completion rates for First Nations students—are at serious risk.”

WRSD says it is not alone in facing these challenges, as several school divisions and organizations across Canada are experiencing similar delays.

WRSD’s Board of Trustees is advocating for timely funding decisions from the Government of Canada, urging the public to join in supporting Indigenous children’s essential services. For more information or to get involved, individuals are encouraged to contact WRSD via email at contactus@wrsd.ca.