Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario highlighted the financials behind the transportation changes which would be required if the Upper Canada District School Board moved school start times without the catholic board.
Currently, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has not expressed interest in changing its bell times.
It was one of four scenarios being considered, with STEO General Manager and CAO Janet Murray saying this one would cost $2.03 million in additional fees.
It would require the purchase of 26 new vehicles and even if that happens, there’s no guarantee they’ll find people to drive them.
The other scenarios which have been explored include a 30-minute shift for all schools, a flip of elementary and secondary bell times, and variations with minor adjustments. These all have varying additional costs, or no increase at all.
Murray highlighted a few other operational costs which would come from the UCDSB making the change on its own.
No recommendations were made by Trustees for the 2025-26 school year, and discussions are ongoing.
Story by Grant Deme
