French Immersion students attending a non-designated school could continue paying bus fees – and be included in a fee increase proposed by Rocky View Schools (RVS) – if the province approves the division’s budget.
French Immersion used to qualify for Alberta Education’s transportation subsidy allocated to students travelling more than 2.4 km to school.
Bill 1, an act to reduce school fees, eliminated funding for students attending French Immersion at a school other than their designate school.
Rocky View Schools board chair Colleen Munro said she realizes the fee could deter parents from enrolling their children in French Immersion programs.
“We certainly hope it won’t but realize that is could,” said Munro
“We do not have enough French Immersion students to have French Immersion in all the schools – we had to pick a stream of schools that makes sense.”
In Cochrane, French Immersion schools are Elizabeth Barrett Elementary, Ecole Manachaban Middle and Cochrane High School.
“We have not heard any feedback yet (regarding) French Immersion students,” Munro said.
The Official Languages Act was passed in 1969 giving equal status, rights and privileges to English and French residents. French Immersion programs were introduced to Canadian schools in the 1970s to encourage bilingualism across the country.
Rocky View Schools officials have passed policies to help families struggling, Munro explained indicating a family maximum transportation fee of $650 and offering a fee waiver for parents who qualify for a GST rebate.
“It’s not only transportation fees waived through the waiver but all school fees,” Munro explained.
Rocky View School has proposed transportation fees for the 2017/18 school year of $325 per student with a family maximum of $650 for students living less than 2.4 kilometres from their designated school.
The proposed transportation fee increase is currently under review by the minister of education’s office who has stated the province is trying to reduce fees being paid by parents. The newly enacted Bill 1 legislated the elimination of some school and transportation fees and gave the province the power to review school boards’ fees.
If anyone has any questions regarding transportation fees or French immersion, Munro said to contact Rocky View Schools transportation department or local trustee.
Schools chosen for alternative programming are not considered designated schools, which includes French Immersion or other language or cultural program, sports academies, faith-based schools, art, science, traditional learning or International Baccalaureate programs/schools, as stated in a RVS press release.
