Update: Petition against School bus fee increase

“School tax is one of the services you are charged for on your annual property tax notice. The tax isn’t based on whether you or your family use the public or private school system. The education system benefits all B.C. residents including people without children in school. You pay school tax to share in the cost of providing education in B.C. Considering we are already contributing to school tax and have a right to access education, this is completely unfair to rural families especially in an economically depressed area, that has been further economically effected during covid times.” Arcand stated in support of the petition.

She notes that some families with multiple children in school and limited income will be seriously impacted.

Original: It’s going to cost more to ride the bus in the Vernon School District starting this fall.

The District 22 Board of Education has approved new fees that are designed to better cover the cost to run the system.

The costs will rise from the current $25 dollars, to $200 for students riding to schools in their catchment area.

For students taking the bus to their ‘program of choice,’ such as French Immersion, the cost will be $300.

A report to the board indicated there are 2,639 total bus riders in the district, with 1,753 eligible riders and 886 courtesy riders.

The staff report suggests the changes will generate $302,245 in additional fee revenue.

The following is the fee schedule for 2021-22 as provided by School District 22:

by Pete McIntyre

Update: Petition against School bus fee increase

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