Families in the Qualicum school district will no longer pay fees for students riding school buses within their schools’ catchment area thanks to $426,341 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Michelle Stilwell announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier that the Qualicum school district will use the new funding to eliminate bus fees, add GPS and video cameras on all buses and improve school drop off and pick-up areas. Funds will also be used to maintain the district’s dispatch position that ensures students get to and from school safely.

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 new 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:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA Parksville-Qualicum –

“Eliminating school bus fees paid by families with this funding ensures our students will continue to receive reliable, safe transportation for their school commute and the money saved can be used to focus on other family priorities.”

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