Northern Lights Eliminates all Bus Fees

There will be no fees for Northern Lights Public Schools students to take the bus to school this year.

Yesterday (Monday, August 29), at its first regular meeting of the 2016-2017 school year, the Northern Lights Board of Trustees passed a motion to remove in town busing fees. “The Board felt it was important to remove the fee so that all students have the opportunity to go to the school they want to, without having to worry about a fee for transportation,” said Board Chair Mandi Skogen. “Alberta’s families are facing tough economic times and we don’t want a fee to deter them from attending our schools.”
The decision to eliminate in town busing fees means there will no longer be any transportation fees charged to Northern Lights parents for transportation. School of choice fees have been waived for several years on the east end of the division. Earlier this year, the Board decided to waive school of choice fees for students in the Lac La Biche area as well. Rural transportation continues to be offered to students at no charge as it has been in the past.
Parents who have already registered their children for busing and have paid the fee will have the fees refunded. The Transportation Department will be in contact with them soon to make the necessary arrangements.
People who are not already registered for busing, but who wish to access the service can register online or by calling the Northern Lights Transportation Department at 780-826-6038 or 1-877-826-6038.
Due to the increased volume of students who may require busing due to the removal of school fees, in town bus service may not be available for all students for the start of the school year on September 1st. Northern Lights will add more buses as needed and make efforts to accommodate all students who wish to access the service as early in the school year as possible.

*Press Release from Northern Lights Public Schools