CSSHBO tells parents to prepare “plan b” for school transportation

CSSHBO tells parents to prepare “plan b” for school transportation

After several weeks of questioning, the Centre de service scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSSHBO) responded today (August 18) to the possibility that there will be no agreement with carriers to provide student transportation. This comes on the heels of the Western Quebec School Board making a similar announcement last Wednesday.

“After two years of the pandemic, it is essential that the start of the school year takes place as normally as possible for the students,” they wrote in a press release (translated). “Then the schools will be open and ready to welcome students on August 30. As there is still no agreement with the carriers, it is possible that school transportation will be canceled for the start of the school year for an indefinite period.”

The general manager of the CSSHBO, Denis Rossignol, sought to reassure parents that everything is being done to resolve the situation before the start of the school year.

“The Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais is aware of the impact that the cancellation of school transportation can have,” he said (translated). “If no agreement is reached, the CSSHBO invites parents to provide transportation solutions for their child. If school transportation is interrupted, the CSSHBO ensures that safeguards around schools will be increased, considering the number of cars that will be circulating to drop off children.”

“Negotiations are continuing and the School Service Center would like an agreement to be reached before the start of the school year,” the CSSHBO concluded (translated).

Rossignol will be the guest on CHIP 101.9’s morning news program “Bonjour Pontiac” tomorrow (August 19).