Northern Lights School Division's transportation contractors will be getting a two per cent increase for the 2016-'17 school year.
The decision comes after three years of bus companies seeing no increase.
“Our contractors always get the short end of the stick with the level of government funding, and now they will be hit with the carbon tax,” said NLSD trustee Mandi Skogen, who also chairs the transportation committee. “Regardless of the government's lack of support for transportation, we need to show (the contractors) they are appreciated.”
The topic of busing within the division came forward during their May board meetings, when a number of recommendations were brought forward. One of those being a zero per cent increase to contractors due to the fact the funding from Alberta Education hasn't gone up, which the board rejected.
“As a board, we've been advocating extensively to assist them in their daily operations,” noted board chair Arlene Hrynyk.
She added, “Let's face it. They're an integral part of the system. We need to ensure that we support them as best as we can so that they can get our children to the school doors so we can educate them.”
In addition to not having received an increase in years, bus contractors have also had a fuel subsidy removed that resulted in an average seven per cent decrease to their bottom line.
“When you look at the cost of transportation, the cost of busing and the cost of repairs is increasing drastically. It's getting to the point where they can't do it without the increase,” said trustee Rod Soholt.
However, with the division receiving no additional provincial funding for transportation, the increase will have an impact on their budget. According to Hrynyk, spending the extra dollars is worth it if it means their contractors understand the significant role they play to the division.
“A two per cent increase really isn't a lot of money, but for us it shows we're trying to support them as best as we can based on our financial difficulties. As a board, we need to advocate aggressively and balance that. We're always mindful of our budget, but we're also mindful of ensuring we're supporting all components of our system as adequately as possible.”
The NLSD Board of Trustees previously approved a recommendation to hold the line on in town busing fees for the upcoming school year. Despite the service currently running at a deficit, trustees wanted to be mindful of the economic situation many families are in.
