LDSCB hits the brakes on specialty program transportation

The London Catholic School Board has decided to cancel transportation for non-funded programs. CTV London’s Reta Ismail reports.

The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) has voted to eliminate transportation for several non-funded specialty programs as it works to address a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall.

In a 5–3 vote Monday night, trustees approved a motion to discontinue all transportation services for non-funded programs, a decision that could leave some students without a ride to school starting in September 2026.

The cuts affect bussing for the Choir and Orchestra Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Catholic Central Secondary School, and the Music Extension Program at Central Catholic High School.

The decision followed emotional public delegations from parents and community members, many of whom argued that transportation is essential to ensuring equitable access to the programs.

“Busing ensured that students’ ability to participate was determined based on interest and talent, not on family resources and geography,” said Yolanda Bernat, chair of the St. Mary’s Choir and Orchestra program.

Board chair Linda Steele said the programs — and the transportation that supports them — are not provincially funded.

“None of these programs are funded, and the transportation associated with them is not funded, so the students that attend are a very privileged few,” Steele said.

Parents pushed back against that characterization. Paulina Banburski, whose child attends St. Mary’s, said families were blindsided by the decision.

“To say that our children are privileged to attend this school seems to diminish all the hard work they put into it,” Banburski said.

“Are all other children that go to the Catholic school board privileged to get safe transportation to their school?”

Other delegations argued the cost of bussing specialty programs is unsustainable.

Speaking on behalf of Sacred Heart, one delegate urged trustees to prioritize core education funding.

“For transportation alone, these costs are unsustainable and divert scarce resources away from local schools,” said Mrs. McKeever.

“The result is a direct impact on mainstream education, where students are left without basic resources or access to learning opportunities.”

Trustee Sandra Cruz introduced an amendment proposing the use of reserve funds to maintain transportation for the programs, warning the cuts could trigger an exodus of students.

“Having no bussing will have devastating effects on the music program, with the possibility of a mass exit of students either early next year or failing to return in September,” Cruz said. The amendment was supported by two trustees but ultimately voted down.

Steele said using reserves would put the board at risk of submitting a non-compliant budget.

“Should we dip into our reserves? We will be setting ourselves up for a non-compliant budget,” she said.

“We already know that there are budget pressures. They’re going to continue.”

Steele added the board’s deficit has grown significantly.

“The 2024–25 numbers came in recently, and we went from an $800,000 deficit to over $3 million,” she said.

“We cannot repeat that. The minister of education has been abundantly clear.”

Steele said additional cuts are expected in the new year as the board works to address financial pressures.

“We are definitely going to have to look at the $11 million we are overpaying for special education now, and we are looking at cuts in all areas, starting in January,” she said.

Despite opposition from families and students, the board says the transportation changes will take effect in September 2026.