Last Updated: July 6, 2026
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) has reversed its decision to discontinue bus attendants for students with disabilities after strong opposition from families and disability advocates. Trustees voted unanimously to restore the service before the planned changes could take effect, ensuring that approximately 100 students will continue receiving transportation support for the upcoming school year.
The decision came only days after the board announced plans to eliminate the program as part of operational changes. Parents argued that removing trained attendants would create safety concerns for children with complex medical, behavioural and mobility needs while placing additional responsibilities on school bus drivers.
Following public feedback, trustees reconsidered the proposal and agreed that the existing support should remain in place while the board works on long-term staffing solutions.
Trustees Reverse Earlier Transportation Decision
The original proposal would have ended bus attendant services beginning this week, affecting students who rely on additional supervision during daily transportation. The plan prompted immediate concern from families who said the change could reduce safety for some of the board’s most vulnerable students.
At a subsequent meeting, OCSB trustees unanimously voted to rescind the decision. Board Chair Mark Mullan said trustees carefully considered the concerns raised by parents before reaching the new decision.
According to the board, transportation services will continue without interruption while officials review future staffing needs.
Why Bus Attendants Matter for Students With Disabilities
Bus attendants provide support that goes well beyond monitoring behaviour during the ride to school. Many students who receive the service have complex disabilities or medical conditions that require supervision while travelling.
Attendants may help students who use wheelchairs, have limited communication abilities, require behavioural support or need assistance during unexpected situations on the bus.
Unlike classrooms where several staff members may be available, school buses typically have only one driver. Parents argued that expecting drivers to safely operate the vehicle while responding to emergencies or individual student needs could increase risks for everyone onboard.
Parents Raised Safety and Accessibility Concerns
Families quickly organized after learning about the proposed cuts, saying transportation support is an essential part of ensuring children can attend school safely and consistently.
Many parents explained that without trained attendants, some students could struggle during longer journeys or unexpected situations. Others questioned whether eliminating the service would conflict with broader commitments to inclusive education.
The concerns reflected a wider discussion taking place across Ontario as school boards attempt to balance financial pressures while protecting services that directly affect students with additional needs.
Board Will Review Recruitment and Staffing
While restoring the program provides immediate certainty, the Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledged that recruiting qualified transportation support staff remains a challenge.
The board says it will continue reviewing hiring practices and recruitment strategies to improve long-term staffing levels. Officials will communicate directly with families whose children use bus attendant services as those plans develop.
Labour shortages affecting educational support positions have become an ongoing issue in many Canadian school districts, particularly in specialized roles that require additional training and experience.
Accessibility Extends Beyond the Classroom
The debate has highlighted that transportation is often a critical part of providing equal access to education. If students cannot travel safely between home and school, attending classes regularly becomes significantly more difficult.
Accessibility advocates have long argued that specialized transportation should be viewed as an educational support service rather than simply a logistical expense. Canada’s Accessible Canada Act reflects broader efforts to remove barriers for people with disabilities across public services.
School transportation decisions have received increased public attention as boards across Ontario continue evaluating budgets and staffing. Similar discussions about maintaining student services have emerged during debates over Toronto school staffing reductions.
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Families Gain Certainty Before the School Year
The unanimous vote means eligible students will continue receiving bus attendant support while travelling to and from school. For many families, the decision removes uncertainty ahead of the new academic year and allows transportation plans to remain unchanged.
The reversal demonstrates how community feedback can influence education policy when student safety and accessibility are directly affected. It also underscores the ongoing challenge facing school boards as they work to manage budgets while maintaining services that many students depend on every day.
For now, Ottawa Catholic School Board trustees have confirmed that bus attendants will remain part of the transportation system for students with disabilities, preserving a service that many families view as essential to safe and inclusive access to education.
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