Thread by @trudykeil

Duncan describing all the capital funding for education. Colour me unimpressed. We need those funds for kids in the classroom, too. #reginateachersconvention

Talking about mental health. No one can argue this is important but being proactive is necessary. Support the social programs up front. $500,000 for mental health first aid. That's a drop in the bucket. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Roughriders mentioned twice so far. That should be enough for a speech about education I would think. #reginateachersconvention

Did I miss the part about supporting teachers' mental health? Maybe it's still coming.

$$ for early child care funding. This is great. No kudos to the federal govt. All the right words from Duncan but hard to listen knowing how much teachers have been struggling because of education cuts throughout the years.

Question Time. Lots of teachers lined up.

First teacher gives kudos to Duncan for having the guts to show up. More applause than when Duncan was introduced.

High school teacher explaining how tough things are for Regina teachers. Holds the govt responsible. Asking Duncan how he'll address needs in education in Sask. Said that privileged people don't need $500. Our education system needs that money.

Duncan said he needs to hear these stories. Mentions $20 million dollars. Said he needs to hear these stories. This is the information he's looking for. We've been telling these stories for years. This is honestly tough to hear.

Says the govt must allocate their funds to different sectors and education is one of those. Must balance money within operations and students supports.

Next question... How will the govt use their amazing economic position as mentioned by @PremierScottMoe recently to fund education? #reginateachersconvention

A lot of talking... Said he wouldn't be in his job later today if he made us any financial promises.

Asked about adjustments for higher enrollment after Sept 30th. Will look at this in the future. Not his call. Up to treasury board and cabinet. Are discussing.

Teacher asking about public schools and how the govt can continue to fund private Christian schools. How is this a good relationship with the public school system?

Said parents should have choice. Compares these schools to the ones in Regina public. Umm no, not at all the same but nice try. *Awkward silence. *Duncan needs water.

Next teacher lists the cuts to teachers in Sask. Goes through a list of school divisions that have cut teachers this year. Talks about how teachers showed up during Covid when no more than 6 people were allowed anywhere else.

"I love this job, but you make it hard to do." - Regina teacher. Wish I know who said this. Maybe someone can comment but that was a great speech.

Duncan said being here today is his first sign of wanting to work with teachers in good faith. Talks about his own kids. Said he has never been a teacher.... Honestly, he seems to be affected by the stories he's hearing today. Can't fund education on windfall resource dollars.

Teacher asking about centralized online learning platform.... Asks about structure and why public but not private?

Govt of Sask says they don't have the power to change the constitution regarding who they can control to join the new centralized online school system. Ummm.. who does then?!

Granted, I'm listening and tweeting at the same time but this answer is confusing. Sounds like they don't know what they're doing yet. Budget, treasury, capital, Covid, etc. Ok, if teachers want to teach online, they can. So yay. 🫤

It's 9:59. Long question.. feel like we could go all day here. Only two people left in line but I expect this to get cut off soon. Ends with... What size of class would Duncan be ok with for his own kids?

Not shockingly, won't give an answer. Teacher says 25 students. Other teachers clap. Briefly references the class size and composition (complexity) committee. Won't give a number. Everyone agrees student needs factor in.

It's 10:03 and he's still standing. Gotta give the man credit. Also give teachers credit for being respectful, articulate and compelling in explaining their situations.

Stop the bus!! He thanked the federal government for one time Covid funding.

It's over. Thanked for coming and taking the risk. Slightly more applause than after the intro. The end.