(CMR) Minister of Education Julianna O’Connor-Connolly said several restrictions are being faced in implementing a policy that requires school buses to be used by private schools.
The Minister was responding to a question from the Elected Member from Red Bay Sir Alden McLaughlin, seeking an update on the progress of a policy requiring private schools to utilize school buses for their students to travel to and from school.
In highlighting the need for the school bus system in private schools, Sir Alden said it is known that when private schools are on holiday, traffic improves significantly.
He noted that earlier this year, a motion was passed for the government to consider stipulating that private schools implement a bus system and that the government assist in ensuring this occurs.
“The issues remain from a logistical standpoint, from a financial standpoint, from a willingness of the private sector to participate,” the education minister stated in Parliament on Tuesday, adding that there has not been much success in getting the needed support.
She said there are severe restrictions in seeing the policy become a reality, such as a lack of “catchment areas” for private schools.
She also stated that private drivers are unwilling to purchase new buses without the guarantee of long-term contracts.
The deputy premier said her ministry had reviewed the motion, and the technical staff has sent a note to Cabinet; however, they have not been given the green light to proceed with a paper based on the challenges identified.
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