Parochial-school transportation dispute continues; district says routes meet state guidance

Board members heard from staff about an ongoing concern over parochial‑school transportation times. A parent (not named in the transcript) had contacted the district seeking shorter ride times; district staff said the scheduled route duration is routed for about an hour and 15 minutes and that the district has examined multiple options to shorten rides but faces fiscal and operational constraints. District staff said transportation reviewed route options and even asked the parochial school whether dismissal times could be coordinated, but were unable to reach agreement. The superintendent said the district has shared prior similar cases with the state education department and noted the department has previously considered an hour‑and‑a‑half route as not unreasonable where districts must balance safety, driver availability and fiscal responsibility. The district also noted it currently has enough drivers to cover runs but that increasing service (shorter rides or additional runs) would require more staff and budget allocations. Board members asked what recourse a parent has; staff said an unresolved parental complaint could be referred to the state education department for review, and the superintendent said the district would continue to communicate with the family and with the parochial school to try to find workable solutions. No policy change or vote occurred at the meeting.