Families in the Powell River school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $91,754 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today that the Powell River school district will use the new funding to add an additional bus route for students with disabilities, maintain current high-level bus services and provide transportation for elementary students to attend after school programs at another elementary school.

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 parent in a rural community, I know first-hand about the challenges of getting kids to and from school in a timely manner. This funding will eliminate fees for Powell River families and help the district maintain its high level of 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