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By Chris Brown

Improving student transportation

Glasgo on task force to drive future of student busing

May 11, 2020 | 4:41 PM

A local MLA will help steer the future of student transportation in Alberta.

Michaela Glasgo, who represents Brooks-Medicine Hat, is one of five MLAs on the student transportation task force. All five are members of the United Conservative Party.

The task force will look at issues related to student transportation, including student safety, costs, eligibility, partner collaboration and the responsibilities of school authorities and industry partners. Their scope of work will cover busing for public school students in urban and rural communities. Members will also consider various service delivery models and services for students with disabilities.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the task force will meet virtually until further notice.

“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,” said Adriana LaGrange, minister of education. “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.”

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The need for more discussion on student transportation became clear after Alberta Education officials and school authorities met to discuss funding for the 2020-21 school year.

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf will chair the task force. Joining him and Glasgo are Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard, Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner and Calgary-South East MLA Matt Jones.

“The reliability and efficiency of busing systems has a significant impact on student engagement in rural and urban areas. There is ample opportunity to improve the current student transportation system,” _{said Neudorf.}

Recommendations will be given to the education minister this fall.

In addition to the MLA, nine members of the task force represent key education and community partners:

• Josée Devaney, Fédération des Conseils Scolaires Francophones de l’Alberta
• Dexter Durfey, Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
• Trisha Estabrooks, Alberta School Boards Association
• Brenda Gibson, College of Alberta School Superintendents
• Andrew Knack, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association
• Jody McKinnon, Student Transportation Association of Alberta
• Kathy Rooyakkers, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
• Jacquie Surgenor, Alberta School Councils’ Association
• Chris Gilmore, The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools

There are also four representatives from student transportation industry groups:

• Yacine Belhadj, First Student, Inc.
• Mark Critch, Sparksman Transportation
• Brian Hauptman, Golden Arrow Buses
• Jonathan Weal, Pacific Western Transportation (Southland Transportation)