The new transportation funding formula introduced by the provincial government is set for full implementation in 2027, and it has the Upper Canada District School Board facing a near $8 million deficit.
Treasurer and CBO Jeremy Hobbs says if it’s the board’s intention to maintain their current service level with Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO), severe cuts are inevitable.
The new model gives boards money based on standardized, province-wide benchmarks for routes, distance, fuel, and labour costs, replacing older formulas in an effort to better reflect the real cost of running school buses.
The board says to maintain its existing services, it will cost nearly $39.5 million for transportation in 2027, but STEO is set receive just over $31.5 million.
STEO services two boards, the UCDSB and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, who face a similar position.
Hobbs says tough conversations are forthcoming.
The board has requested a delegation for next month’s meeting from STEO representatives to discuss their strategy.
Story by Grant Deme
