School bus cost increases: 2009-2010

Lack of funding to Board of Education impacts children’s safety: School Board triples bus fees

Letter from Stephanie J. Lumley

[Stephanie Lumley is a member of LANDS, a local parent organization in Sooke: “Lets agree not to dispose of schools”.]

[Editor's Note: The Sooke School District 62 website states: "Families unable to pay transportation fees should register their students and contact their school principal to discuss alternative arrangements." The 2009-2010 rates are $120 for one student, $240 for two students, $300 for three students, and $360 for four or more students from one family; different rates apply for the bussing of Kindergarten-age children. Full details available on the SD62 bus registration form for 2009-2010 at: http://www.sd62.bc.ca./pdf/busrds_reg_0910.pdf ]

Letter to the Editor: from LANDS (May 6/09)

The Government is in hot water yet again with Sooke School District families. Lack of Government funding into the board of education coffers has had a drastic effect on how the school board can manage. They are facing a $400.000 deficit, and this directly impacts our children and their safety, as school bus fees are hiked by almost triple to what they were last year.

According to the school secretary/treasurer (Mr. David Lockyer), the board faced a tough decision, whether or not to increase fees, or pull some bus routes from service. In a candid conversation, I was quoted that the decision was reluctantly made to increase the fees and save the bus routes to ensure the children were safely transported to and from school.

The secretary/treasurer also stated that it was very likely that the fees would have to be increased yet again for next year. For myself and my family, I have three children which works out to $300.00 to put my kids on the bus, and ensure they arrive safely, both to school, and back home in one piece.

Then there is the several hundred dollars to buy the school supplies, shoes and clothes needed to get back to school. If things don’t change, if the Government keeps holding back on funds for education, how are the people struggling to hold jobs and families together managing, with the ever increasing rising costs to educate our kids? Let alone actually getting them there. Three kids to three schools!

Kids are supposed to go to school, get an education, have a childhood, they don’t need to worry about if/when their schools close, budget costs, deficits, or if there will be a school bus.

We need to send a strong message to government that we need more funding, to support our children’s education, their transportation safety, supplies and equipment meant to help our kids learn and become role models of their own. Our kids should not have to struggle through school with the bare minimum. The parents and families of the Sooke school district deserve better.

We work hard enough, now make the government sit up and take notice. Put the blame where it sits, on the doorstep of our government. Make them earn their pay, make them work for us and our kids. They are our future, let’s treasure that and show them that they can reach for the stars, everything is possible, so long as you try.

Response from John Horgan, MLA (May 7/09)

Dear Stephanie,

Thank you for your e-mail. As you know, I have been advocating for increased funding in our growing district for many years. I have attended a number of board sessions on the budget recently and like you I am concerned that transportation costs are being passed on to families because of the on going provincial underfunding.

If re-elected I pledge to continue to press for adequate education funding for our area and across the province. The current formula is short changing a generation of children. It is vital that the provincial government invest in our collective future by supporting families.

I am hopeful this note provides you with the assurance you need.

Sincerely

John Horgan

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