Not every education dollar is going into the classroom.
CTV has learned school tax money in Winnipeg is being used for corporate table fundraisers.
Some city school divisions spend thousands on tickets for fundraising functions. Students and trustees attend the high-priced galas. The school divisions said some of the fundraisers also include events where students or staff are being recognized.
The Seven Oaks School Division spent about $14,000 last year.
Brian O'Leary, superintendent for Seven Oaks, defended the spending.
“It's not a gravy train for school trustees,” he said.
He said organizations they support include the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the University of Winnipeg and Red River College, which offer hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and programming to students that would otherwise not exist.
Louis Riel Division, the Winnipeg School Division and Pembina Trails also spent thousands on tickets.
Manitoba’s education minister said buying the corporate table tickets is above board.
“We understand that school boards have relationships with important community organizations that do educational work and that there's a relationship that needs to be built and maintained,” said James Allum.
Some school divisions don't buy tickets at all. The St. James-Assiniboia School Division's superintendent told CTV News they don't use taxpayer dollars for these type of events.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said divisions need to review the practice of using school tax funds for corporate fundraisers.
"It looks like in some cases there's room to certainly cut back and use those dollars to help out in the classroom," said Colin Craig from the CTF.
"Everything should be going into education - not some favourite causes for the school board trustees. That's got nothing to do with the homeowners and paying your taxes," said Nelson Poets, homeowner.
