Parents say end of late buses limits after-school participation; board seeks grant options

MIDDLETOWN — Multiple parents and students told the board the absence of late buses this school year is restricting participation in after-school clubs and activities, including drama and other extracurriculars.

Autumn Mierzewski, a Beaman student, told the board she values drama club but that many students cannot get home without late buses. Kaylee Mirzjewski, a Farm Hill interventionist and parent, said the program showed clear benefits and that her family relied on late buses last year; she asked the district to seek funding so extracurriculars remain accessible to students without private transportation.

Transportation director Mark Langton said the district’s contractor DACO is supplying drivers and monitors and that the district is looking for grant funding to sustain an after-school busing program. Langton and the superintendent said federal grant timelines have shifted and that some grants arrive later in the year; staff are pursuing applicable grants but could not promise immediate restoration.

Board members asked for updates on grant applications and whether athletic team busing differs from general late-bus funding. Administrators said grants have historically funded some after-school transportation and that they are investigating available sources for this school year.

Ending: District staff said they will continue to pursue grant support and will update the board when funding options or temporary arrangements are identified.