Brandon Teachers Urge School Board for Urgent Budget Reforms

The Brandon Teachers’ Association (BTA) is urging the Brandon School Division and the Manitoba government to address critical funding issues in preparation for the 2026-27 budget. In a recent presentation, BTA President Sandra Thompson highlighted three pressing concerns: chronic underfunding, increasing classroom sizes, and the necessity for enhanced support for both students and teachers.

During her address to the school board, Thompson emphasized that funding has not kept pace with the rapid growth of student enrollment and the increasingly complex needs of the student population. She stated, “Brandon’s student population has grown by 19 percent over the past decade, more than double the provincial average.” This growth has placed significant strain on classrooms and staffing, making it imperative for the school division to reassess its financial priorities.

Thompson noted that the division ranks among the top three metro school divisions in Manitoba for enrollment growth, which has led to larger class sizes and increased classroom complexity. A recent survey conducted among Brandon teachers identified these two issues as the top funding priorities. According to data from the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, class sizes in the Brandon School Division exceed the provincial average for all grades except for Grades 1 and 2.

“Imagine if you were one of the many students who required help in a class of 30, waiting for the teacher to assist 29 other students,” Thompson remarked. She pointed out that the board had previously made the difficult decision not to hire 33 full-time-equivalent staff to address the growing enrollment, which has resulted in high school classes now exceeding 30 students.

The challenges extend beyond mere numbers; Thompson described the increasing complexity of classroom dynamics. Teachers are now tasked with balancing the needs of students with learning disabilities, behavioral issues, mental health concerns, and significant learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. “Teachers are highly trained professionals, capable of adapting curriculum and supporting diverse learners. However, teachers are not magicians,” she said, stressing the limitations they face.

In a survey conducted in the fall, many teachers expressed feelings of being overwhelmed. One teacher shared, “We must do too much with too little. It’s defeating and deflating to not be able to do so through no fault of our own.” Another teacher commented on the emotional toll of the job, stating, “I see my colleagues in the classroom crying and so overwhelmed with student behavior, violence, poverty, and academic concerns.”

Thompson noted that these sentiments reflect a broader crisis of teacher burnout that is impacting recruitment and retention efforts within the division. “There is currently a teacher shortage, and teachers are burning out and leaving the profession,” she explained in an interview following her presentation.

Rather than requesting a specific number of new hires, the BTA is advocating for budgets that accurately reflect the realities of classroom needs. Thompson emphasized the urgent need for increased funding, stating, “This is not the time for cuts. We need funding. We need support. We need more teachers. We need help.”

Following the presentation, Board Chair Linda Ross acknowledged Thompson’s concerns but noted that trustees would not respond immediately. Trustee Breeanna Sieklicki inquired whether these issues had been raised beyond the division. Thompson confirmed that discussions are taking place at multiple levels, including with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and provincial authorities.

“This information is being shared at all levels,” she stated. Thompson reiterated that the issues being raised are not new, and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society has been advocating for better funding and support.

The challenges outlined by the BTA resonate with the board and administration, particularly regarding the need to prioritize classroom requirements. Mathew Gustafson, Superintendent of the Brandon School Division, acknowledged the added pressure from enrollment growth, stating, “More students require more classrooms and more teachers, driving up salary costs.” He also expressed concern about the potential impacts on maintenance and operations if provincial funding does not increase to cover rising costs.

Despite the challenges, Gustafson conveyed cautious optimism about ongoing discussions with the province that may lead to additional funding.

As Brandon educators continue to advocate for their students, the urgency of their message is clear. The coming budget decisions will play a critical role in shaping the educational landscape for both teachers and students in the region.