The provincial government has created a consultation team that will help with developing a new education funding model in Manitoba.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen says it has been decades since the last review.

The consultation team will be made up of government officials and representatives from a number of organizations.

The minister added that this team will guide the work to create a funding model that will support planning and provide flexibility to school and regional leaders to help address their local needs.

“We need to simplify funding to schools, better support specialized learning needs and create predictability in funding,” said Cullen. “There is currently $3 billion spent each year on education and the commissioners were clear that in order to improve educational outcomes for students, the system requires greater financial accountability and sustainability.”

The minister noted the new education funding model will ensure equitable funding so that all students succeed regardless of where they live, their background or their individual circumstances.