Families in the Coquitlam school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $81,641 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the Coquitlam school district will use the new funding to:

• Increase transportation programs for students with special needs and behavioural issues.
• Subsidize costs for First Nations students and Aboriginal Education programs.
• Maintain and enhance curricular and extra-curricular school trips.

The new $14.7-million Student Transportation Fund was announced in August 2016 to help school districts provide affordable and accessible transportation for British Columbia families.

To be eligible for funding, school 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 for which a district is eligible 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.

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:

Linda Reimer Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA –

“This funding is being well utilized by focusing on important services in school transportation. This is especially good news for students with complex needs as it will enhance their school experience. First Nation parents and students will welcome the additional funding that will enhance safe and reliable transportation.”

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