It is always good news when the government provides new monies to the education system, and the Central Okanagan School District welcomes the announcement regarding the Student Transportation Fund.
The Ministry of Education has allocated $600,000 to the Central Okanagan School District. In finalizing the 2016/17 Budget, the Board estimated that the district would collect $1,000,000 in busing fees. In order to address the difference, some options that the Board may have to consider are whether to continue to charge those riders who live within the "old" walk limits or to eliminate all busing fees and finding efficiencies elsewhere.
The development of the Board of Education's current transportation model was based on principles that were fair, efficient and provided accessibility. Moving forward from our existing model to a new model that takes advantage of this funding is complicated and it is hoped that we will be able to continue to provide a comparable or improved transportation system.
Staff will be providing more information at the Planning and Facilities Committee Meeting on August 24, 2016 with recommendations going to the Board of Education at a September Meeting. Our partner groups will have opportunities for input at these public meetings.
District staff are pleased to be working with Ministry staff to find opportunities that will benefit all transportation users in our system.
The funds must be applied for, with a plan on how they will be used, by September 30, 2016.
For more information
1940 Underhill Street
Kelowna British Columbia
Canada V1X 5X7
www.sd23.bc.ca
