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Speaker warns proposed transportation cuts would hurt English learners, urges board to review HB 989 pilot
Summary
A public speaker asked the Chicago Board of Education to press district leadership about possible transportation cuts and to study a Springfield bill, HB 989, a pilot program he said could reduce travel times and routing costs for districts.
Paul Wagarski, a parent and public speaker, asked the Chicago Board of Education on May 7 to review potential student transportation cuts and consider state legislation that he said could improve routing and lower costs.
Wagarski said district‑based transportation enables students — particularly English learners, low‑income families and those living far from programs — to access specialized courses and extra‑curricular opportunities. "If transportation is cut or limited next year, it will then be easier for the quarterback to get to the game than for them to get to class," he said.
Wagarski asked the board to press CPS leadership for details about a bill in Springfield, HB 989, described in his remarks as a pilot program that can lower travel times, reduce costs and improve routing options. He also noted a recent tripling in the budget for athletic support under a new contract and said that transportation cuts would disproportionately affect students farthest from opportunity.
Ending: Wagarski asked trustees to seek more information from CPS leadership about transportation plans for the upcoming year and the possible implications of state pilot HB 989 for routing and costs.
