Trustees vote to restore bus attendant funding
Ottawa Catholic School Board trustees voted on June 23, 2026, to reverse a controversial cut to the bus attendant program, restoring funding for attendants on 30 special education routes. The decision came after parents, advocates, and some trustees raised concerns about student safety and the impact on vulnerable children.
Program cuts sparked outrage
The board had initially proposed eliminating the program as part of $4.5 million in budget cuts, affecting about 100 students with special needs who rely on attendants for safe transport. Trustee Mark Mullan said the reversal was necessary to ensure the board meets its obligations under the Education Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. “We heard loud and clear from families that this cut would have put children at risk,” Mullan said.
Funding found through other savings
The board identified alternative savings, including a reduction in administrative expenses and a hiring freeze for non-essential positions, to cover the $600,000 cost of the program. Superintendent of Business Services Lise Roy confirmed that the changes would not affect classroom funding. “We were able to find efficiencies without impacting student learning,” Roy said.
Parents relieved but wary
Parent Jessica Tremblay, whose son uses the bus attendant service, expressed relief but noted that the board must find long-term solutions. “It’s a Band-Aid fix. We need a sustainable funding model so this doesn’t happen every year,” she said. The board will review transportation funding in the fall as part of its 2027 budget planning.
