The Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association is beginning a fundraising campaign to cover the legal cost of appealing the Theodore court ruling.
The April 2017 decision to end provincial funding for non-Catholics attending Catholic schools left many parents confused and upset. The ruling essentially says any student in our schools must be a baptised Catholic. While the 
majority of students in Catholic schools are baptised, this narrow and restrictive definition does not reflect the inclusive nature of our Catholic faith.
To appeal the Theodore ruling, the SCSBA is beginning a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of legal proceedings which is estimated to be $300,000.
“We feel strongly that education funding should stay where it belongs, in our classrooms, but at the same time, we need to pursue an appeal of the court decision to ensure Catholic education is an option for all parents who want it,” says SCSBA President Vicky Bonnell. “So, we are reaching out to our supporters for their help.”
Under the theme – Schools You Can Believe In – the fundraising campaign will cover what is needed to appeal the decision up to the Supreme Court of Canada should that become necessary. All eight Catholic school divisions in Saskatchewan are participating and are looking to parents, families, parishioners, provincial Catholic organizations, clergy and friends of Catholic education for help so Catholic education will remain an option for families for future generations.
“Starting today, we are sharing our story and reminding the Saskatchewan people of the gift we have of Catholic education in our province,” says SCSBA Executive director Tom Fortosky. “This gift is accessed and appreciated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We do not want to deny those who truly want to have their children participate fully in our schools.”
Contributions from members of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ community can be made online at https://foundation.gscs.ca. Receipts are available for income tax purposes.
NOTE ON IMAGES:
Image in Article – SCSBA Executive director Tom Fortosky (Twitter)
Featured Image – SCSBA logo (www.scsba.ca)
