Kenston superintendent: bus routes will remain age-segregated after schedule changes

A resident who asked to speak at the Kenston Local School District board meeting expressed concern that fourth-graders would be riding with high-school students under new bus routing and schedule plans. The superintendent told the board the concern was incorrect.

The exchange occurred during the public-comment portion of the June 30 meeting. The resident asked: "I've been hearing... that the fourth grade and up will be riding with the high schoolers? Is that correct?" The superintendent replied, "That's not accurate. ... there are dedicated middle school routes, dedicated high school routes, and dedicated elementary routes."

Context: The district is adjusting bell times and bus schedules after building changes implemented earlier this year, including moving some grades between buildings. Officials said middle- and high-school schedules will change in start times, but the routes will remain segregated by school level to avoid mixing younger elementary students with older adolescents.

Follow-up and communications: The superintendent said transportation will distribute a letter and route details to affected families, and she encouraged residents to contact district staff with questions. The district also noted an after-school weight-lifting program and other extracurricular logistics will be coordinated so younger students do not mix inappropriately with older groups.

No board action was taken; the exchange was a clarification during public comment.