School divisions granted contract extension for school bus services

The council of the City of Lethbridge has granted Lethbridge School Division and Holy Spirit Catholic School Division a one-year contract extension for school bus services.
The contract will end on or before July 31, 2021, and will include quarterly reports to city council on the status of the transition.
“The most important thing to us is that our parents and our students are bussed in the best possible way for our constituents,” said Lethbridge School Division Board Chair Clark Bosch.
Lethbridge city council voted unanimously in support of the resolution, which will see the city move away from its responsibilities connected to the operations of school buses at the conclusion of the one-year extension.
The two school divisions sought an extension in order to ensure the transition to a new school bus service model was as smooth as possible.
“We’re very grateful that the City has approved this extension,” said Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Board Chair Judy Lane. “An operation of this size and magnitude simply takes time to navigate. I know that there are still a lot of details to figure out, but I also know that our two school divisions will collectively aim to ensure efficient and safe transportation for all of our students.”
Lethbridge School Division and Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will now move forward to examine all options, which may include a request for proposals for external providers or the potential for the two school divisions to operate the school bus transportation system.
“I think doing it right is always important,” said Bosch, who added Lethbridge School Division is pleased with the city’s decision to grant an extension. “I believe common sense prevailed.”
The two school divisions will work with the City of Lethbridge to ensure no costs incurred by the city for the timeline extension. The school divisions will continue to be invoiced for all capital, operations and maintenance costs, as well as all related administration costs.