b'Report to the Canadian School Boards Association Provincial HighlightsJuly 2019 to August 2020 Pandemic ResponseThe SSBA is part of a provincial Response Planning Team working hard to ensure the safest and most appropriate way of offering education during the COVID-19 pandemic.The SSBA is taking direction and following the updates and information provided by Canadian and Saskatchewan health authorities to guide decision-making and the Association is monitoring the developments closely.The SSBA in March announced its decision to postpone the Spring Assembly that was originally scheduled to be held in April in Saskatoon, along with other in-person meetings.SSBA staff are working from home and continuing to provide all services to members. Events for the fall are being planned to take place virtually or remotely when possible. 2020-21 Budget AnnouncementThe SSBA recognized that the provincial government has committed to supporting schools financially, considering the pandemic context and challenges to fiscal capacity, with Junes 2020-21 budget announcement.SSBA President Dr. Shawn Davidson said the budget provides some assurance to school boards about their operations, which remain in a state of pandemic response, and removes an element of uncertainty going forward.The full effects of the budget will be better understood going forward as pandemic response and planning for the fall continues, Davidson noted at the time of the budgets release.In August, the province announced it will allocate $40 million from the $200 million provincial COVID-19 contingency fund for additional costs related to ensuring the safety of students and staff. Connections ReportA report from Saskatchewan school boards to the Minister of Education in late 2019 highlighted the need to enhance and expand Connections for education.The main categories of findings included Connections Among People and Relationships, Connections Between Systems and Structures; and Connections to the Future and Navigating Technology.The findings resulted from the nearly 300 engagements school boards conducted across the province earlier this year, involving more than 10,500 people. In total, more than 36,500 comments were received.In the report, school boards also present recommendations, aligned with the Connections findings, for the education sector to consider in a new vision and plan.'