The Saskatchewan government has elected to trim the Education Sector's funding by $22-million for the 2017-18 fiscal year while deciding to keep all 28 school boards intact.

Chinook School Division was expecting a decrease in funds allotted to Education Sector and the announced cuts are within the parameters anticipated by the Board.

"As the provincial government has indicated, Saskatchewan is going through some difficult economic times and all areas of the public sector are being asked to tighten up to get us through this period," said Board Chair Larry Caswell. "This budget brings forth significant changes to the education sector and the school divisions are now faced with a challenge. We intend to keep student success as the top priority and remain focused on ensuring our students receive the best education and support possible."

The board indicated in a press release that Chinook School Division will do everything they can to minimize any direct impact on students and schools.

"There is a recognition that with fewer resources, we will not be able to operate in the same way as in the past," Director of Education Liam Choo-Foo said. "However, our Board is committed to making the necessary personnel adjustments by attrition where possible and also keeping any restructuring as far away from the classroom as we can."

The Chinook School Division also indicated they're working to finalize their budget for 2017-18 and will continue to align the Division strategic plan with the Education sector plan.

More information from the Chinook School Division will be available later on this tonight.