Transportation Fees

- Cross-Boundary Transportation -

In 2005, Parkland School Division instituted a system-wide cross-boundary transportation fee for students not choosing to attend their designated school. As has been its practice, Parkland will continue to provide transportation for students who choose to attend a school of choice, provided there is space available on the bus, the bus does not have to be diverted from the regular approved route, and the receiving school has the space available to accommodate the child. However, a fee will now be applied.

Why are the fees being instituted?
In short, transportation grants provided by Alberta Education do not cover the cost of busing students to the school of their choice. To accommodate choice, historically Parkland transported students to the school of their choice provided there was room on an existing route and at the receiving school. However, fixed costs, such as fuel and insurance, have risen beyond the jurisdiction’s ability to operate within the current revenues received. Therefore, subsidizing cross-boundary transportation is no longer feasible.

How do I know if this fee applies to my child?
Cross-boundary students are those who do not attend their designated school. Designated schools are determined by a student’s residence. School attendance boundary maps are available at all schools and through Parkland’s Centre for Education in Stony Plain. If you are unsure of your child’s designated school you may also call Parkland’s Student Transportation Department at 963-8452. Parents/guardians of new students will need to have their legal land description on hand when they call.

Are there any exceptions?
Yes. The following transported students will not be required to pay for cross-boundary transportation fees:
• Students with special needs directed to a specialized program outside their designated school
• Students enrolled in an alternate program for which provincial transportation funding is provided, such as French Immersion
• Students attending a non-designated school, who were residing within an optional transportation area that was removed by the Board during the 2004/05 school year (this applies only to those students currently enrolled in Parkland, not their siblings who will be entering the system) • Students in Gr. 10 - 12 for whom the distance is closer to a non-Parkland high school, e.g. Drayton Valley

Will the fee be applicable to students who fall under transportation agreements Parkland maintains with Black Gold, Grande Yellowhead, Wild Rose or St. Thomas Aquinas?
Most of the students currently transported under these agreements reside in the Board’s previously optional attendance areas. As mentioned above, they will be grandfathered and will not be required to pay the fee. Beginning in 2005, however, students in these areas who are new to Parkland will be required to pay the cross boundary fee if they choose to attend a non-designated school.

Will these fees apply to Evergreen Catholic students?
Yes. Students not attending their designated Catholic school will be subject to the fee. It will also be applied to Catholic students who reside outside of Evergreen’s boundaries, but attend one of its schools.

Will students who attend alternate programs such as Maranatha (Christian) and SCOPE be required to pay the cross-boundary fee?
If the alternate program is offered at a school other than the child’s designated school, the student will be charged a cross-boundary fee.

Will students who attend programs at Connections of Learning be required to pay the fee?
Students other than those registered with Home Education will be required to pay the fee.

Will urban students attending a non-designated school be required to pay the cross-boundary fee and an urban bus pass fee?
No, only the cross-boundary transportation fees will apply.

Is a payment schedule being considered?
Yes. Parents/guardians may choose to submit up to five (5) post-dated cheques. Other payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Interac or cash.

Who should I contact for more information on cross-boundary transportation fees?
Parents wanting more information on the cross-boundary fee should contact Parkland’s Student Transportation Department at 963-8452 or by email

. Urban Bus Passes