Elkhorn board approves bus-route consolidation, creates new walk zones at two elementary schools and one middle school

The Elkhorn School Board on June 30 approved revised bus routes and created walk zones at Westside Elementary, Jackson Elementary and the district middle school as part of a plan to reduce the number of bus routes.

Board members said the change responds to budget reductions and requires some students to walk to school or to consolidated bus stops. District staff presented colored maps showing new walk-zone boundaries and existing crosswalk guards and said rural stops would be consolidated to reduce the number of stops per route while maintaining statutory safety guidelines.

Staff said students living within the new walk zones will keep the option to walk to the nearest established bus stop if there is capacity, and that crosswalk guards are already in place at the elementary locations identified on the map. In rural areas, staff said some neighborhoods that previously had five or six stops will be reduced to two stops, with two buses serving the area and capacity sufficient for students assigned to those stops.

Board members asked for clarifications about specific streets and landmarks near the new boundaries, and staff walked through the map during the presentation. The board moved and seconded the revision and approved it by voice vote.

District staff indicated further route adjustments will be communicated to families and that the changes follow applicable statutory guidelines for pupil transportation.

Board members and staff stressed that the move seeks to preserve service while addressing district budget constraints and that staff would continue to monitor safety and capacity as the changes take effect.