(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

urban and rural busing to be examined

Alberta announces student transportation task force

May 11, 2020 | 1:36 PM

The Alberta government has struck a new task force to provide recommendations on the future of student transportation.

“Members will focus on issues related to student transportation, including student safety, costs, eligibility, partner collaboration and the responsibilities of school authorities and industry partners,” the province says in a release.

The scope of task force’s work will cover busing for students attending publicly funded schools in urban and rural communities. Members will also consider various service delivery models and services for students with disabilities when developing their recommendations.

The government says Alberta Education officials met with school authorities across the province when developing the new education funding model for the 2020-21 school year, and that during these consultations it became clear student transportation needed further conversations and review.

“We committed to improving and modernizing the education system in Alberta. Student transportation is an integral part of the system that needs further attention to address the challenges facing our partners who deliver this service,” says Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. “I have asked this task force to explore options, while putting Albertans’ safety first due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They will provide their best advice on how the system can be improved, become more efficient and become more cost-effective in serving Alberta’s students.”

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

14h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

19h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

19h ago

Critics say the current situation surrounding student transportation is of the government’s own doing.

“The UCP have made devastating cuts to education and have hiked fees on parents all across the province. Before returning to business as usual, this UCP government needs to restore faith with parents, students, and stakeholders,” says Sarah Hoffman, NDP Education Critic. “The discussion about student transportation should not be happening apart from the larger discussion about how we will reopen our schools and get our kids back in their classrooms safely.”

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf will chair the task force, which also includes 13 members from the student transportation industry, community partners and key education partner organizations. They will be supported by officials from Alberta Education and Alberta Transportation.