A union of education employees is urging Living Sky School Division to avoid selling off rural bus services to a private, for-profit company.

A release from CUPE 4747 says the division is considering this option as a response to chronic underfunding from the provincial government. The union says contracting bus services will not solve these challenges and will instead create long-term problems for students, families, and staff.

It adds that the move would threaten the jobs of bus drivers who know local roads, drive up operating costs, relinquish local control, and impact families in the region.

CUPE 4747 has also launched a letter-writing campaign urging community members to speak out. It can be found at https://4747.cupe.ca/news/.

Living Sky School Division encompasses North Battleford, Wilkie, Unity, Cut Knife, and Medstead.