The Centennial School District announced an expansion of school bus service and introduced two new leaders in its transportation department.

Superintendent Owens and transportation staff told the board that the Oregon Department of Education recently approved a supplemental transportation plan and that expanded bus service will begin Monday, Nov. 3, for students attending Park Lane Elementary, Patrick Lynch Elementary and Oliver Middle School. District staff said families must register in advance to ride the buses.

"Beginning Monday, November 3, bus transportation will be available to all students attending these schools regardless of walk zone eligibility," Superintendent Owens said, calling the change "pretty big" and noting the expansion had been discussed for years.

The board also met Suzanne Cummings, the district's new transportation director, who started July 7, and Massimiliano (Masimiliano) Bruschi, the district's new transportation supervisor, who joined Sept. 8. Cummings said the district would be adding routes under the supplemental plan that the board approved last spring; she noted the ODE approval was recent. "We'll be transporting even more students to Park Lane, Patrick Lynch, and Oliver Middle School," she said.

In response to a question about future expansions, transportation staff said the district prioritized the three schools because of socioeconomic factors, attendance drops in bad weather and unsafe walking infrastructure. Staff identified Powell Butte and Meadows elementary as likely candidates for future additions; Butler Creek was said to have fewer hazards because it sits in newer subdivisions.

Dr. Southerton and others confirmed the district will continue evaluating schools by need, walk-route hazards and congestion and that the long-term goal is districtwide expansion of supplemental transportation where warranted.

No formal board action was required beyond the prior approval of the supplemental plan; staff confirmed operational details, registration and family notifications are underway.