NWT schools operate largely through money provided to their education bodies by the government. These funds are divided up according to a formula. The formula is based on the number of students each of the regional education bodies have in their schools. Education bodies are responsible to spend these funds following the specific directions given to them by the government. These funds pay for things like school staff salaries, supplies, programs, resources and supports for students, as well as Aboriginal language and culture programs.

The work of Education Renewal in this area focuses on reviewing the formula through which schools receive their funding. The work ensures that the education system has the necessary supports and is fully accountable for the delivery of quality programming in NWT schools. The review will make sure that the funding schools receive enables them to run quality Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 programming; it also points to improvements needed in the formula. 

• School Funding Framework: 2023-24