Voorhees to consolidate kindergarten bus routes with grades 1–5 for 2025–26

Voorhees Township school officials said they will consolidate kindergarten bus routes into K–5 routes beginning in the 2025–26 school year, standardizing transportation eligibility and moving away from separate kindergarten-only runs.

The change was explained during the budget presentation: "We're consolidating kindergarten bus routes into K to 5 routes," Helen Haley said, noting that previously kindergarten students had separate buses and the district will now place qualifying kindergarten students on the same bus as first through fifth graders.

The superintendent and staff held a Zoom information session for kindergarten parents on March 27 and said only about six parents attended; administrators announced two additional sessions, scheduled for May 28 and Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., to explain the changes and safety plans. Dr. Hackett said the district will continue outreach because many parents are newly registering students.

Why it matters: Consolidating routes affects families who rely on separate kindergarten transportation and may change pickup and drop-off logistics for affected households; the district said eligibility criteria are being standardized and that the change is on track for the coming school year.

The finance committee and administration said the transport modification is approved as part of routine transportation items; the board later approved transportation items on the consent agenda.

Ending: Administrators will hold additional parent meetings and publish eligibility and route details; the approved plan will be implemented for the 2025–26 school year.