Seeking Public Input into School Transportation Review

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, is encouraging students, parents, and any member of the public, to take advantage of an opportunity to contribute their comments and suggestions to help inform an evaluation and review of the province’s school transportation system.

“An independent consultant, Deloitte, will be talking to representatives of school districts, school administrators, independent school bus operators, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils and others to get information for its report, and to make suggestions as to how we can operate more effectively within existing budgets,” Minister Jackman said. “In addition, to enable as much student, parent and public input as possible, a webpage has been developed to receive online recommendations from any individual who may wish to contribute. I hope people will take this opportunity to offer thoughtful, innovative ideas as to how we can find efficiencies, and make improvements, to this important service.”

The webpage can be accessed at www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/ until March 8, 2013. An e-mail address and phone number are also provided.

Minister Jackman noted the webpage provides background information, current school transportation guidelines, as well as a series of online questions which reflect the most common school transportation issues raised by the public. There is also an opportunity for participants to make suggestions on any aspect of school transportation operations and policies they deem appropriate. The public input will be provided to the consultants to help inform their final report.

“The school transportation system is an important service for many people in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “In order for us, as a government, to make improvements it is essential that we hear from all stakeholders and individuals. The input and feedback gathered will help develop an effective and efficient school transportation system.”

On December 21, 2012, the Provincial Government announced it had awarded a $75,000 contract to Deloitte to review the province’s $48 million school transportation system, with a view to determining whether it is operating as safely, efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. The final report is expected this spring.

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2013 02 15             1:40 p.m.