Families in the Peace River South school district will benefit from improved transportation services thanks to $441,458 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today that the Peace River South school district will use the new funding to:

• Ensure that the district does not have to charge fees for eligible student bus riders.
• Address potential overcapacity routes that are a result of demographic changes and a previous route restructuring.
• Provide funds for schools to be able to support transportation costs at the school level. All schools will have the flexibility to use the funds as they see fit as long as they are directly associated with transportation.

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:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Since I was elected I've been pushing for provincial support for busing. I'm pleased to have been able to deliver as the MLA and the minister because I know how important this funding is for families in Peace River South. This funding is going to make sure our kids and families benefit from a boost in bus services.”

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