Local students could have access to improved bus service.
The Vernon School District could apply for up to $361,094 for school transportation while the North Okanagan-Shuswap district could apply for up to $561,925.
“This will benefit the many local families who rely on these important services during the school year,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
Funding will continue on an ongoing basis in future years.
“I encourage the district to apply for this funding, which will give it the flexibility it needs to address local student transportation needs and challenges,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
Funding could be used for new routes, reducing ride times, providing services to students with disabilities or funding existing services.
To be eligible for funding, districts must submit a plan to the Ministry of Education by Sept. 30 outlining how they will use the funding.
The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District will apply for the funds.
“We had already been planning to do a transportation study in the fall as part of an overall district operational review, so the opportunity to access the new funding will help to inform that work,” said trustee Mike McKay.
The Vernon School District is also pursuing the funds.
“We wouldn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to have additional funding,” said Sterling Olson, secretary-treasurer.
“The application process gives the board the ability to apply to use the funds in a variety of ways. How the funds are directed will be a decision of the board, most likely decided at the September public board meeting.”