District says late ‘5:30’ bus will not run the rest of the year; parents raise communication concerns

The West Milford Board of Education heard a transportation update that the district’s late late bus (roughly the 5:30 p.m. run) will not run for the remainder of the current school year due to funding limitations. Board members and parents also raised concerns about district text-message communications that do not indicate which building a notice pertains to.

District explanation: at the Jan. 28 Superintendent’s Round Table report, administrators told the board that the late late bus had been eliminated for the remainder of the year “due to funds” and that the district will reconsider the service when budgeting for the next year.

Parental concerns: in public comment, a parent asked that automated texts specify the originating school (for example, which building’s bus is late) because parents with children at multiple schools receive messages that just read “West Milford Schools” and do not identify the campus. The parent said clearer messages would reduce confusion.

Why it matters: late transportation affects after-school activities, athletics and families’ caregiving plans. Officials said the late bus has been provided in some fall seasons for athletics and other needs but was not budgeted for the entire year.

What comes next: the district said funding for late runs will be reviewed during the next budget cycle; staff also said principals have sometimes taken on communication duties when transportation personnel were unable to send messages immediately because bus drivers are driving.