The announcement comes in the midst of much discussion as to how and when schools in the province should open in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a father, I know what it means to want to take every step possible to protect my kids,” Moe said in his Facebook video post. “As an uncle, I know my nieces and nephews are excited to get back to school, but both them and their parents have questions about what it’s going to look like.
“I want each of you to know I hear you, our government hears you. That’s why on Monday I will be joined by Dr. Shahab to announce a number of measures that will provide more information, more time, more testing capacity and more resources to ensure a safe return to school for all Saskatchewan students.”
Moe added that on or before Aug. 26, school divisions will provide details on each individual school plan for safe operation this fall and that school would begin classes on the Tuesday after Labour Day, Sept. 8.
“This is a few days later than students would normally return to class and will provide teachers and school staff a few additional days to prepare their classrooms and common areas for a safe return,” Moe said.
A COVID-specific testing plan will also be in place, with voluntary testing in school for students, teachers and staff.
NDP leader Ryan Meili was quick to respond to the surprise announcement, calling it “too little, too late”.
“The Sask. Party is spinning its wheels,” said Meili. “For months we’ve pushed for a serious plan for the safe reopening of schools. They have no plan, and no clue what to do. Now Saskatchewan families are paying the price, with widespread fear and frustration as our kids return to the classroom.”
NDP education critic Carla Beck also weighed in on the government’s plan.
“While any investment is welcome at this very late stage, the dollars teased today are completely inadequate to address the needs in our classrooms as teachers and students prepare to go back to school this fall,” she said. “Even with this small investment taken into account, the Sask. Party will still be spending less per student than they were in 2016. The Sask. Party’s failure to plan is letting our parents, teachers, students and school staff down."
See below for Moe's full announcement:
