Currently we are aware of approximately 66 children residing in the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) capture zone, outside of the City of Guelph proper, that attend the Guelph Collegiate International Baccalaureate (GCVI-IB) preparatory and diploma programs.  In the 2022-2023 school year that number will increase by an additional 39 children based on the recent placement offerings to the GCVI-IB program. These students are denied access to school buses by the Upper Grand District School Board. In order for these students to attend school, families must provide their own transportation.  Many families either don't apply for the program, or are unable to accept the invitation to attend because they are not able to drive their student.

The UGDSB provides transportation to students in other special programs, such as French Immersion, the Gifted program, Special Education, and the Vocational and Trades program.

The UGDSB’s Vision Statement is that “Students will attain individual excellence through dynamic programming provided by an effective staff and supported by a committed community. We will meet our students’ diverse needs through the provision of equitable and accessible resources.”  Further, in their Guiding Principles, they state that “Opportunities and resources need to be equitably distributed”.

We are asking the Upper Grand District School Board to uphold their stated principles and ensure that transportation services are available to all International Baccalaureate students at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute.

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