Families in the Vancouver school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $53,423 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLA for Vancouver-False Creek Sam Sullivan announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier that the Vancouver school district will put the new funds towards their hardship budget to provide alternative transportation for students who need it.

School districts must submit a plan to the Ministry of Education 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.

Quotes:

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Parents in the Vancouver School District will welcome the new funding. It will help make room in the family budget as they plan for other priorities for their children.”

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