Lethbridge-East MLA chairing task force on student transportation

“A key component of the elementary and secondary student experience in Alberta is the transportation services we provide to them. 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; I am thrilled to begin exploring ways through this committee that we can improve this often understated but crucial service.”

Currently, some school boards in Alberta operate their own bussing system, some are done by the municipality, and others are contracted out to private companies.

Neudorf told LNN that he does not believe in a “one size fits all” type of model for student transportation.

“I think there may need to be an approach that allows for different needs in different areas, and I think part of a great solution will be one that’s flexible enough to recognize those different needs and respond accordingly.”

He says he will not be entering this project with a preconceived notion that one particular model is better or worse than others.

“I don’t know if it’s all about changes, it’s about reviewing every aspect, seeing what’s working well, what may or not be working very well, taking into consideration cost and safety and time. Those are some really big discussions.”

Back in December 2019, LNN reported that the City of Lethbridge was severing its bussing partnership with the Lethbridge School Division and Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, forcing them both to work on a new arrangement.

The MLA says he has spoken to the local school divisions and looks forward to talking with them again now that he is part of the committee.

Neudorf is aware that some students, particularly in rural areas, have to spend well over an hour each way to and from school every day.

“We’ll see if we can mitigate that or reduce that.”

13 members from the student transportation industry, community partners, and key education partner organizations will be part of the task force, as well as Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard, Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Michaela Glasgo, Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner and Calgary-South East MLA Matt Jones.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange commented on the formation of this group.

“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. 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.”

MLA representatives:

Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East, chair
Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie
Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat
Nate Horner, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler
Matt Jones, MLA for Calgary-South East

Representatives from 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

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)

by David Opinko

Lethbridge-East MLA chairing task force on student transportation

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