CBE fires back over rejection of busing plan
Funding formula leaves out alternative program transportation, vice-chair says
The Calgary Board of Education says it was surprised by Alberta Education Minister David Eggen’s criticism of proposed busing changes for this fall.
And the CBE is demanding more funding if the board has to change plans for the transportation of students attending alternative programs across the city.
“If the minister is concerned with any aspect of our plan, then he needs to make that clear to us, and if he plans on changing any part of our plan, then he needs to provide funding in order to make those changes,” said CBE vice chair Trina Hurdman.
But in a prepared statement in response to the CBE on Thursday, Eggen fired back, saying he’s concerned about the financial impact the board’s strategy might have on parents.
“CBE continues to contend that they need to increase fees dramatically on some parents,” Eggen said.
“My office has heard from countless families in recent days who are worried about the impact these changes will have — and I am concerned, too.”
On Tuesday, Eggen said he wouldn’t approve CBE plans that would see $700 annual fees for students travelling on Calgary Transit to attend alternative programs, such as French immersion.
Eggen said local districts need to be more supportive of students attending alternative programs, and that the cost is too much of a financial burden on young families. He said he will spend his summer vetting and rejecting any fee increases greater than five per cent from the previous year.
“I’m a big fan of choice and providing alternative programs. They are a strong part of the system. But we also need to match support that goes with those choices,” said Eggen.
On Thursday, CBE officials responded by saying while they appreciate the minister’s support for the programs, they also want him to show them the money.
“We would like him to back up those words of support with funding for alternative program transportation as the current funding formula does not consider alternative program transportation as eligible for funding,” said Hurdman.
Yet, Eggen’s statement outlines the CBE will be receiving nearly $18 million to “reduce fees for parents and make life more affordable for families.”
According to Hurdman, CBE staff worked with the education ministry staff every step of the way, on almost a daily basis, making sure they understood Bill 1 and the intent of regulations.
“Once a plan was developed, it was shared with the ministry for review before it was shared with our parents and the public. We received their support to roll out our plan,” said Hurdman.
Under the plan, the CBE would provide free busing for students travelling more than 2.4 kilometres to their designated school to attend regular programs.
They are also implementing controversial adjustments, including 1,500 more students taking Calgary Transit instead of the yellow school buses.
Those now assigned to Calgary Transit, including grades 6 to 9, would pay about $70 a month for a youth transit pass, a jump from this year’s total cost of $335.
Students attending alternative programs may also face the move to using Calgary Transit instead of the traditional yellow buses.
Parents have been clear to the CBE that they do not want general funds meant for education to go toward busing, said Hurdman.
As part of the new Bill 1 regulations, all school boards are now being asked to submit any fee increase over five per cent to the minister for review and approval.