School Board Discusses AI Bus Route Optimization Amid Funding Challenges

During the recent School Board Workshop held on August 29, 2025, the School District of Manatee County engaged in critical discussions regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in transportation logistics and the challenges of student transportation funding.

One of the key topics was the district's ongoing transition to a new transportation app that utilizes AI technology to optimize school bus routes. This new system is expected to go live in August 2026, and it aims to enhance efficiency in managing transportation needs. Currently, the district is operating two different applications simultaneously as they prepare for this upgrade. The use of AI is seen as a promising solution to improve the district's transportation operations, which are currently funded at only 50% of the required budget, amounting to a shortfall of approximately $10 to $15 million.

Board members expressed concerns about the extensive distances some students must travel to reach their schools. One member highlighted that certain students live up to 25 miles away, resulting in round trips of up to 100 miles daily for transportation. This raised questions about the feasibility of implementing a maximum distance for school transportation, suggesting that a 10-mile radius might be more reasonable. However, there was skepticism about whether such a proposal would gain traction, as it could be perceived as placing an undue burden on families who choose to live in rural areas.

The discussion also touched on legislative considerations, with board members noting that current conversations are focused on reducing the distance requirement for transportation eligibility from two miles to one mile. The sentiment was that further limiting transportation distances might not be well-received by lawmakers, who could view it as an additional hardship for families.

In summary, the workshop underscored the district's efforts to leverage technology to address transportation challenges while navigating the complexities of funding and legislative constraints. As the district prepares for the new app's launch, the implications of these discussions will be closely monitored by both board members and the community.