The Canadian Union of Public Employees is standing in support of teachers and school divisions in Saskatchewan.

In regards to the recent Perrins report on educational changes and a possible  school board amalgamation, CUPE has voiced their stance: strongly opposed to the idea.

In a release earlier this week, the employee union's points mirror that of the recent Chinook School Division meeting at Fairview Library.

CUPE cites the report "has not provided any evidence or rationale for further amalgamations".

Jackie Christianson, an education assistant and chairperson of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee, explains the focus of the report is on the wrong topic.

“The goal of ‘transformational change’ in education should not focus on cost savings but on improving the delivery and quality of education to children, their families, and communities. Education is a public good and fundamental for a democratic society,” she said.

She says, on behalf of CUPE, that she believes the interests of children are best served with school boards that are democratically elected and accountable to communities.

As well, they feel any restructuring of the current 28 school divisions will "create massive disruption" to the education system.

The deadline for the public to submit a review of Daniel Perrins' report passed on Monday, January 23rd, after a narrow window of opportunity to discuss the Perrins report with local MLAs.

However, CUPE presented their own brief in person to the advisory committee on Wednesday, January 25th.

CUPE represents 7,000 support workers in 20 school divisions in Saskatchewan, including education assistants, facility operators, administrative assistants, clerical assistants, secretaries, school bus drivers, caretakers, maintenance workers, library assistants, nutrition coordinators, information technicians, social workers, counsellors, community school coordinators, interpreters, speech and language assistants, and other school support workers.

Those wanting to view the 16-page report in its entirety, can click the link below.

CUPE Education Report