HomeMy WebLinkAbout14.1 Courtney Fontaine, re Concerns with OSTA's Transportation Funding Formula Dear MPP McLeod,
I'm writing to you regarding the Ministry of Education's new Transportation Funding Formula,
which will lead to a loss of more than $6.5 million for the Ottawa Student Transportation
Authority (OSTA). OSTA has indicated it will be impossible to maintain current van service for
students starting in September 2023 under this funding formula
(htti)s://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/potential-changes-or-cuts-to-van-service/).
My son , will be attending CHEO School in the fall. He is very fortunate to have
a spot in the JK/SK program that CHEO offers._ has a genetic deletion syndrome called
22g11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Due to his genetic deletion syndrome,_ also has a number
of other medical and developmental complexities. He has a congenital heart defect (Tetralogy of
Fallot) that has been partially repaired and will require a second open heart surgery when he is
strong enough to withstand the procedure and recovery. He has also been diagnosed with
Global Developmental Delay. He is non-verbal and uses a communication book and AAC device
for speech. He also needs to use a walker and AFO's for mobility as he cannot stand or walk on
his own. He is also exclusively g-tube fed due to a laryngeal cleft as part of his genetic deletion.
Despite_ various medical and developmental challenges, he is a bright boy who loves to
interact with others and has thrived within the CHEO Preschool setting. While attending CHEO
Preschool, receives OT, PT and SLP therapy in order to continue to develop his skills.
While attends CHEO School, he will also be able to receive his OT, PT and SLP therapy
to continue his progress.
I am unable to provide transportation for_ to attend CHEO School. I am a teacher with the
OCDSB (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board) and my teaching schedule does not allow me
to provide transportation for_ from our home to CHEO.
It is essential that_ attends CHEO School for his Kindergarten program._is unable
to attend a community school for the Kindergarten program._has a right to attend public
education, however this new Transportation Funding Formula puts his transportation services at
risk. This funding formula will have a significant impact for the many other vulnerable students
who have physical and developmental disabilities that require van transportation.
Please advocate for changes to this funding formula to ensure van transportation continues.
Thank you for your consideration,
Courtney Fontaine