Families in the Peace River North school district will no longer pay fees for students riding school buses within their schools’ catchment areas thanks to $425,785 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today that the Peace River North school district will use the new funding to eliminate bus fees altogether. The district had previously planned to increase student transportation fees from $100 to $200.

School districts must submit a plan to the ministry outlining how they will use the funding to enhance transportation services for students and families.

The amount of funding a district is eligible for is based on a formula tied to the Ministry of Education’s student location factor, which is used to determine the rural makeup of a school district. Districts are required to report back on the outcomes and benefits they achieve as a result of the funding.

The new $14.7-million Student Transportation Fund was announced in August to help school districts provide affordable and accessible transportation for B.C. families.

As a result of B.C.'s strong economic growth and fiscal discipline, government is able to support and fund projects that make a real difference in the lives of British Columbians.

Quote:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“As a Peace River parent myself, I know first-hand about the challenges of getting kids to and from school in a timely manner. This funding will eliminate fees for families and help the district provide better bus and transportation services for families.”

Quick Facts:

The Student Transportation Fund builds on government’s recent investments to further strengthen B.C.’s education system and support student learning, including:

• $25 million of administrative savings returned to school districts to invest in students;
• $2 million Rural Education Enhancement Fund to help keep schools open;
• $28 million to ensure enrolment increases and labour settlements are covered; and,
• $6 million to train teachers on coding and new curriculum and to buy computers.

Learn More:

Read the Student Transportation Fund news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016EDUC0076-001429