Families in the Stikine school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $51,181 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today that the Stikine school district will use the funding to add a new bus route so students can bus to school at the K-to-9 Tahltan School in Telegraph Creek.

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 families and help districts 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