GUELPH – Two updated policies, regarding student transportation and facility partnerships, were approved during a Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting on May 5.
Student transportation
The student transportation policy, formerly the pupil transportation policy, was initially adopted in 1971.
The only significant change made to the policy during an April revision was to rename it.
The policy outlines the provision of transportation services, including eligibility requirements.
“The [WCDSB] provides eligible students with a quality student transportation service, coordinated through [Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services], that is safe and efficient,” the policy states.
“In accordance with the Education Act, the provision of transportation by [WCDSB] is permissive and may be revoked at their discretion,” it notes.
To be eligible for transportation services, students must be enrolled and attending a WCDSB school and reside within their school’s transportation zone (at least 1.6km away for students in kindergarten through to Grade 8, and at least 3.2km away for students in Grades 9 through 12).
For students in kindergarten to Grade 3, bus stops should be within 0.8km from their driveway. For students in Grades 4 to 12, bus stops should be within 1.2km of their driveway.
“Whenever possible,” students in kindergarten through Grade 8 should not spend more than 45 minutes on the bus, and students in Grade 9 through Grade 12 should not spend more than an hour, in normal traffic conditions, the policy states.
Facility partnerships
The facility partnerships policy was first adopted in 2011 to set out parameters for the establishment of facility partnerships.
Its objectives are to:
– improve services and supports available to students;
– reduce facility operating costs;
– strengthen relationships between the board, community partners and the public;
– maximize the use of public infrastructure through increased flexibility and utilization; and
– provide a foundation for improved service delivery for communities.
The revised policy lists eligible partners including educational institutions, childcare providers, government agencies and community organizations “that provide services benefitting students, families and the broader community.”
It states partnerships must align with the board’s mission, values and strategic priorities, and support student well-being, enhance community engagement, and maintain the integrity of school operations.
