The
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario(CDSBEO) and the
Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) have recently presented to
their trustees the annual year-end financial statements for 2017-2018. The main focus and area
of concern for both English language school boards was the significant increase in costs related
to the provision of local and rural student transportation, which resulted in both boards reporting
deficits for 2017-2018.
The unexpected increases to student transportation is the result of a recent imposed arbitration
order. The order follows a review of the business contract between bus owners and the
organization that coordinates transportation for both school boards, which is the service
consortium known as the Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO).
The CDSBEO has posted its year-end financial statements that included an overspending in
transportation for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 amounting to $5.8 million. Trustees
with the UCDSB also received a report about finances for the 2017-2018 budget year,
presenting an overspending in transportation of $9.5 million related to unexpected increases in
the cost to provide busing for students.
Both school boards are very concerned about the cost increase for what is regarded as an
essential service for students who qualify for daily transportation to and from school.
“Trustees in the Upper Canada District School Board are quite concerned about the higher
unexpected costs of transporting our students to school,” stated Jeff McMillan, Chair of the
UCDSB.
Todd Lalonde, Chair of the CDSBEO, added, “Both school boards have taken steps to manage
transportation costs this year. We are hearing from the public that we have gone as far as we
can to cut costs in this area.”
“Given these sudden and troubling financial developments, both school boards are working
collaboratively in seeking the guidance and support of the Ontario Ministry of Education. These
are unexpected circumstances,” commented McMillan. “It has never been more important for us
to work closely with the Minister of Education, her office, and our local members of provincial
parliament, since these costs will impact programs and services offered by both boards of
education.”
Both Chairs of the Boards spoke about their positive working relationship with the current
provincial government, especially knowing that there is a genuine understanding about rural
realities among provincial cabinet ministers.
“We are relying upon their deep understanding about the needs of families in rural Ontario to
assist us with issues like this,” said Lalonde. “Our ongoing dialogue is essential and concrete
support from the province is necessary for both school boards to continue to offer quality
education programs in Eastern Ontario.”
For more information, please contact:
Stephen Sliwa
Director of Education
Upper Canada District School Board
613-342-0371 ext. 1234
|
John Cameron
Director of Education
Catholic District School Board
Eastern Ontario
613-258-7757 ext. 3117 |
Jeff McMillan
Chair of the Board
Upper Canada District School Board
613-345-1993
|
Todd Lalonde
Chair of the Board
Catholic District School Board
Eastern Ontario
613-258-7757 ext. 3124
|