The Red River Valley School Division (RRSVD) is in the midst of planning for next school year.

Superintendent Darren Skog says now that they know there will continue to be funding through the new Early Years Education Initiative, they feel more confident in proceeding. Skog explained they're meeting with all their administrators in regards to staffing and classroom compositions in schools. He added they are in the process of meeting with the school principals individually to see where their planning is at, and find out what resources are needed to make that happen.

"We were kind of holding on a little bit to find out what was happening with that grant, because it does impact us for sure," said Skog. "It's money that is important to us that helps provide a better education to kids."

Skog noted RRSVD had to work with 2% less in provincial funds when preparing its operating budget for 2017/18. He said, thankfully, they did not have to make any major cuts as a result. Skog did say it does however, it does make it more difficult for them to provide the services they already offer, let alone trying to offers additional supports. "Our board is dedicated to trying to do the best it can for our students, and so they found ways to make that happen."

Skog noted there is a lot of exciting things happening with education in the division, and they want to make sure those things continue.

Meanwhile, when it comes to Education Minister Wishart's announcement earlier this month regarding the government's plans to review the education funding model in Manitoba, Skog feels there are things that can be improved.