A group of concerned parents worry what effect increasing transportation fees for French Immersion students will have on language programs.

Erin Quiring, President of the Airdrie Chapter of Canadian Parents for French, worries that the proposed bus fees will create a two-tier system that eliminates the option of French Immersion programs for lower income families.

"It's going to create an elitist attitude towards French Immersion, and it's going to inhibit some families that it's going to be more costly for children to attend those programs."

Facing down a massive transportation deficit, the Rocky View School Board voted for the transportation increase on May 4, partly due to the upcoming Bill 1. Under Bill 1, school divisions will not be allowed to charge transportation fees to students living further than 2.4 kilometers from their designated school. In order to continue offering the same level of transportation currently available, Rocky View proposed to increase fees for students who live less than 2.4 kilometers from their designated school, or attend a program of choice. Currently, French Immersion is classified as a program of choice.

During these deliberations, Rocky View trustees maintained they were backed into a difficult position by the upcoming legislation, and many expressed concerns that a fee increase would create a two-tier system. Even so, the school board said their hands were tied and a fee increase on applicable students was the only viable option. Notably, the vote passed with only four trustees in favor and three opposed.

CPF realizes the situation is not entirely in the school board's hands, and are now taking their fight to a higher level.

"We are now in conversations, in addressing and sending letters to our MLA's and the Minister of Education letting them know that this introduction of Bill 1 is not in the interest of all students," said Quiring.

Quiring expressed some disappointment with the school board, saying she wished they would have fought a little harder to avoid the increase through creative solutions, or less of an increase. Even so, she also understands the position the school board was in was untenable. 

"They can only work with what they have, and we're also seeing the same situation happening just down the highway with the Calgary Board of Education. They're in the very same situation we are. I think ultimately, we as a group of concerned parents need to let the provincial government know that we are unpleased with this."

Rocky View School's declined to comment on the matter.

 

Read More:

School Board Unable to Move Forward on Transportation Fees

Divided School Board Votes To Raise Transportation Fees

Confusion Continues With Bus Fee Announcement

 

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