Families in the Boundary school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $153,588 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson announced today on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier that the Boundary school district will use the new funding to:

• Continue to provide highly efficient bus service for students;
• Provide buses to transport students to curricular and extra-curricular activities;
• Arrange transportation for students with special needs;
• Deliver training for student supervisors, bus drivers and crossing guards;
• Complete audits on before and after school supervision, mechanical needs, bus routes and recruitment/retention of bus drivers.

School districts had the opportunity to apply for the Student Transportation Fund from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30, this year. To be eligible for funding, districts had to 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’s student location factor, which is used to determine the rural makeup of a school district. Districts will be 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:

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson –

“Improvements such as providing transportation for extra-curricular activities will provide students with more opportunities to explore their outside interests and talents. The addition of training for staff and transportation for our special needs students will go a long way in enhancing our students’ school commute.”

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