Eliminating busing for magnet and traditional school students is the only option that will result in less routes than drivers and get kids home on time, according to a presentation a Jefferson County Public Schools official will give to the school board.
The presentation by Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk is on the agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting.
Despite overhauling its transportation system last year, the district is again operating daily with about 50 fewer drivers than bus routes, meaning some students aren’t getting home until after 7 p.m.
For months, leaders have said eliminating a significant number of routes will be essential moving into next school year. Considering hiring and retention projections, Fulk’s presentation says that the district’s goal is to have about 470 bus routes and that no longer busing students to and from magnet and traditional schools is the only option that will achieve that goal.
Legally, the district is only required to provide transportation to homeless students and those with specific disabilities. There about 4,800 students who fall into those categories currently receiving transportation, but JCPS buses about 68,000 students each day.