Auburn-Washburn board approves policy narrowing free bus service to students living within 2 miles

At a special meeting May 12, the Auburn‑Washburn USD 437 Board of Education voted 7–0 to adopt a bus transportation recommendation for the 2025–26 school year that ends automatic free bus service for students who live within 2 miles of their school and establishes paid opt‑in options and exemptions.

The policy change matters because the district says it is intended to reduce the number of routes and ease staffing pressures while focusing limited resources on safety and infrastructure where needed. Parents who spoke at the meeting urged the board to prioritize student safety, including sidewalks, crosswalks and safer drop‑off routes.

Board member and subcommittee chair Michael White, who presented the recommendation, said the subcommittee reduced the district’s eligibility distance from 2.5 miles to 2 miles and added targeted exemptions. "We have to do something to address this ongoing issue that we've had for several years," White said. He told the board collected fees would be used for transportation needs such as cross guards, sidewalks, bike racks and driver compensation adjustments.

Under the motion approved by the board, elementary students in grades K–5 who reside within 2 miles of their school will no longer receive free round‑trip bus service; families may opt in by paying an annual…