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Milton officials say one fewer bus increased wait list; state law limits required service
Summary
Superintendent John Phelan and staff explained that the FY26 budget reduced bus service by one route, producing a district-wide wait list of 116 students and that state law requires transportation only for K–6 students living more than two miles from school.
Superintendent John Phelan told the school committee on Aug. 20 that Milton is operating with one fewer school bus this year and the reduction is the primary reason for a larger transportation wait list.
“As of Aug. 13, total students registered [for bus service] is 1,465,” Phelan said. He said the district had 1,466 riders the prior year and noted the number of students on the wait list for on‑time registrations was 84, with 32 late registrations, totaling 116 families impacted. “We're back to 2 years ago, transportation bus level that had wait list then and currently it has wait list now,” he said.
Phelan said the town and committee added an extra bus during the prior year using one‑time funding but that the FY26 budget process did not sustain that additional vehicle. He explained the legal limit on the district’s obligation: “This is mainly a Pearson High School issue, because the state law says that we have to give rides to students on buses, k to 6, who live more than 2 miles. But the law also states that we don't have an obligation to do it 7 through 12.”
District staff described steps families can take to raise concerns about bus stops and routes: routes are posted on the district website and the transportation page includes a Google form for families to request review of a stop or timing. Katie Blake told the committee the district will update posted documents and email families on a route when a change specifically affects them.
The district also said it has a new capability to message families tied to a particular bus, which officials said should improve communications in the event of a breakdown or weather disruption. Stephanie O'Keefe was credited with establishing the bus messaging tool.
Officials said they are continuing to review routing and pickup times and urged families with concerns to use the posted form so the district and contractor can evaluate potential changes before the school year begins.
