Calgary Board of Education faces $13 million shortfall in transportation
Posted Mar 9, 2016 3:57 pm.
Last Updated Mar 9, 2016 6:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Bussing within the Calgary Board of Education could look dramatically different next year as officials say the current level of transportation provided is no longer financially sustainable.
The move comes months after it scrapped the congregated bus stop and had to revert to previous levels.
Board Chair Joy Bowen-Eyre says the deficit has been progressively getting worse, year after year, and with nine new schools slated to open next year it will once again rise.
“We’ve also heard some concerns from some of our families about transportation services and fees. We want to work together with parents, students, staff and our community, to come together and ensure that we have a long-term, sustainable transportation strategy.”
Bowen-Eyre says it always must-be protected and will be vital to their work forward.
“We need to find a balance between the funding we receive from the province and the transportation service levels we offer to all of our families,” she said, calling it a tough decision.
The CBE currently transports 37,000 children to school, 26,000 of them are taking a yellow school bus.
Average ride time for a yellow bus rider is less than 40 minutes and current school fees charged to parents are $300 a child.
Board officials received $42 million from the government, they used $5 million from other funds and made up for the other $8 million through school fees.
It had received some criticism from groups last year for making a decision, regardless of public input, and officials want to make it clear that it is considering everything.
“Even though not all families bus their children to school, all families could be impacted by the decisions we make,” said Superintendent David Stevenson. “Decisions will not only affect transportation services but also our budget.”
In a statement sent to 660 NEWS, Minister David Eggen says he knows the CBE has expressed concern about how transportation is funded, adding they have been discussing these matters with the board and will continue to do so.
His department will be reviewing the report from the board in great detail in the coming days and will report back to him.
Transportation Small Group Workshops will be held:
Wednesday April 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tom Baines School, 250 Edgepark Blvd N.W.
Captain Nichola Goodard School, 405 Panatella Blvd N.W.
Crossing Park School 500 Martindate Blvd. N.E.
Ernest Manning High School, 20 Springborough Blvd S.W.
Centennial High School, 55 Sun Valley Blvd S.E.
Thursday April 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sir Winston Churchill High School, 5220 Northland Dr. N.W.
Sir John A. Macdonald High School, 6600 4 St. N.W.
Dr. Gordon Higgins School, 155 Rundlehill Dr. N.E.
Western Canada High School 641 – 17 Ave S.W.
Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School, 220 Canterbury Dr. S.W.
Tuesday, April 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
Thomas B. Riley School, 3915 69 St. N.W.
William Aberhart High School, 3009 Morley Tr. N.W.
Lester B. Pearson High School, 3020 52 St. N.E.
Central Memorial High School, 5111 21 St. S.W.
David Thompson School, 9320 Arbour Crescent S.E.
There are also plans on holding three community forums on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., those dates and times are still being confirmed.
