Revere schools cut high‑school busing, expand MBTA pass pilot; middle‑school eligibility raised to 2 miles

Revere Public Schools officials voted June 9 to eliminate district-provided high‑school bus service and to raise the district’s middle‑school minimum transportation radius from 1 mile to 2 miles, moves the committee says will reduce a projected transportation shortfall for next year.

The Committee of the Whole approved the package by roll call vote. The motion eliminates the three high‑school buses (a line‑item the committee estimated at about $317,000) and raises middle‑school eligibility, and it directs the administration to fund MBTA student passes for affected students up to a $100,000 cap for high school and $50,000 per middle school (a $250,000 combined cap) as a transitional subsidy.

The change comes amid an estimated district transportation deficit that officials discussed at the meeting. Matt Gallucci, the district’s chief financial officer, said the district initially identified roughly a $1.9 million shortfall and was currently “approximately $1,300,000 short” after year‑end adjustments and projected reimbursements. "I am happy to report in summary that we're looking at entering next year at this moment with $600,000 less of a responsibility for outside transportation," Gallucci said, citing updated routing and vendor negotiations. He cautioned those savings are contingent on enrollments and routing holding steady.

The committee heard several operational options before voting. Transportation staff said they are pursuing route consolidation, stronger vendor outreach and intermunicipal cooperation (for example, splitting runs with Winthrop, Chelsea and Saugus) to reduce costs. Denise, a district transportation staff member, described efforts to combine runs and to use smaller 15‑seat buses for certain inside special‑education routes when appropriate; Gallucci noted vendor costs have fallen on some contracts because of recent bids and outreach.

Committee members also discussed offering MBTA student CharlieCards as an alternative for older students. The administration reported that a subsidized MBTA pass would cost about $30 per month (roughly $300 per student for a 10‑month school year). District staff noted 161 Revere High School students qualified for transportation this past year and that about 135 used the service; officials argued a capped MBTA subsidy could cover many of those students at far lower cost than running full bus routes.

Dr. Kelly, a district official who spoke during the meeting, warned of possible attendance impacts if transportation becomes less accessible for adolescents. "When transportation to school becomes more difficult for students, especially adolescents, high‑school‑aged kids, their attendance decreases," Dr. Kelly said, urging the committee to monitor effects closely if the policy is implemented.

Members discussed the budget mechanics of using so‑called circuit‑breaker transportation reimbursements — state reimbursements the district receives — to cover shortfalls. Gallucci and other staff clarified the district is counting known reimbursements (including a circuit‑breaker amount and an anticipated homeless transportation reimbursement) toward reserves, but said relying on next year’s anticipated reimbursements to plug current gaps would enlarge future shortfalls.

The committee asked the administration to begin outreach to the MBTA to determine pass availability and geographic coverage for students, and to prepare communications for families explaining the changes and transitional supports. Officials also said special‑education transportation obligations would not be reduced; services required by law for students with disabilities will continue.

Votes at a glance: - Motion (combined): Raise middle‑school minimum transportation radius from 1 mile to 2 miles and eliminate Revere High School busing; provide MBTA/CharlieCard subsidies up to $100,000 for high school and up to $50,000 per middle school (cap $250,000). Outcome: approved by roll call (5–0). Recorded yes votes: Fred Sonella; John Kingston; Anthony Caziano; Stacy Miller; Patrick Keith.

The committee directed staff to report back with implementation details, to contact the MBTA about student pass logistics, and to present any required budget detail ahead of the school‑committee budget vote next week. Officials said they expect to monitor ridership and attendance measures in the fall and to use the coming year to plan any further policy changes.

Ending: The policy changes take effect for the upcoming school year subject to administrative follow‑through on MBTA arrangements and final budget incorporation. Staff will return with specifics on eligibility lists, distribution procedures for passes and communications to affected families.