New K-12 funding model to replace education property tax coming in 2 years: Manitoba government

Manitoba plans to have a different way topayfor kindergarten to Grade 12 education within the next two years.

The provincial government announced Thursday it is selecting aconsultation team to guidedevelopment of anew funding model.

The new formula is expected to be in place for fall 2023, the province says.

Manitoba currently relies on education property taxesto cover the bill a system that has been denounced as inequitable, since school divisions with a larger business base get a bigger pool of money.

The Progressive Conservative government has vowed to gradually eliminate that tax entirely and fund the school system through other means.

The government initially said phasing out the levycould take up to 10 years, but moved aheadaggressively toward that target, with its most recent budgetpromising a25 per cent cut to the tax this yearand another 25 per cent next year.

Tax cut may be delayed

During last month's Progressive Conservative leadership campaign, now-Premier Heather Stefanson told the Winnipeg Free Press if elected,shewouldlikely delaythe second 25 per cent cut planned for next year. Her office said on Thursdayno decision has been made.

In its news release Thursday, the government said it will develop a new funding model that addresses the longstanding inequity concerns.

"We need to simplifyfundingto schools, better support specialized learning needs and create predictability infunding," Education Minister CliffCullen said in a statement.

The government is promising a "stable, predictable and phased implementation plan" to transition from the existing funding formula to a new model that doesn't include the education portion of property taxes.

The consultation team will be made up ofgovernment officials and representatives from a number of organizations,including First Nations schools, independent schools, school superintendents, municipal organizations and parent councils.

The province expects consultations to begin next January and the project completed by February 2023, with the new model in place for the 2023-24 school year.

Stefansonhaspledged some form of education reform aspremier, even though her government withdrewthe controversial Bill 64, which included a recommendation to dissolveelected school boards.