The Manitoba government is increasing public school funding by $79.8 million for the 2026-27 school year, bringing the province’s total education investment to nearly $2 billion, Education and Early Childhood Minister Tracy Schmidt announced.
The funding represents a 3.5 per cent increase over the previous year and is intended to help school divisions manage enrolment changes and rising costs, while maintaining the province’s funding formula guarantee. The guarantee ensures every division receives an increase over its 2025-26 allocation.
Schmidt said the additional funding will support stable public schools and address student needs across the province.
“Our government is committed to making sure every Manitoba family can count on strong, stable public schools, year after year,” she said in a statement.
As part of the increase, the province is allocating $11.4 million to support school divisions most affected by teacher salary harmonization, which will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year. The harmonization process standardizes teacher pay scales across divisions to reduce wage disparities.
Manitoba School Boards Association president Alan Campbell said the funding commitment is a positive step but noted ongoing work is needed to fully address system pressures.
“School boards recognize that the funding contribution for harmonization announced today is a step in the right direction,” Campbell said. “We look forward to continuing our work with government to ensure funding fully meets the needs of students, staff and communities across Manitoba.”
Total provincial school funding for 2026-27 will reach $1.995 billion. The allocation includes:
• a $51-million increase to help public schools manage operating costs, including investments in salary harmonization and technical vocational education;
• $30 million for a universal school nutrition program and the implementation of Nello’s Law, which protects the program, along with an additional $3 million from the sale of U.S. alcohol products for the Children’s Nutrition Council;
• a $15.2-million increase in capital support, including principal and interest costs related to school construction; and
• a $16.6-million increase in funding for independent schools under the provincial funding agreement.
The province also confirmed it remains on track to build four new schools, including Devonshire Park and Prairie Point in Winnipeg, Meadowlands in West St. Paul and a new school in southwest Brandon.
More information on Manitoba’s school funding model is available through the provincial education department.
