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District proposes changing secondary bus eligibility to two miles; committee advances policy for first reading
Summary
Superintendent presented a policy revision to align secondary student transportation eligibility with state law at two miles, projected to save about $136,000; staff estimated 301 students would be affected but hazardous-route exemptions reduce that to 102 students. The committee advanced the revision for first reading pending budget approval.
The Burnsville Public School District policy committee considered a proposal to change transportation eligibility for secondary students from 1.5 miles to 2 miles, aligning the district's policy with state law and tying the change to the district's fiscal year 2026 budget.
The change is significant because administrators estimate it could save about $136,000, and committee members asked for clarity about which students would be affected and how hazardous-route exemptions would be applied.
Dr. Battle presented the proposal, saying the revised eligibility language would read: upon request of a parent or guardian, the district shall provide transportation to and from school at the expense of the school district for all resident secondary students who reside 2 miles or more from the school. She said district staff initially identified 301 students who would be impacted by changing the secondary threshold from 1.5 miles to 2 miles. After applying the district's hazardous-route exceptions'which list specific streets and highways including Interstate 35, 13, Nichols Road and Lynn Avenue between 13 and McCall Drive'the number of impacted students falls to 102.
Committee members asked whether policy approval should precede budget approval. Director Ault explained the committee's planning meeting recommendation: the policy and budget will proceed in parallel, and the policy would not be finalized until the budget is approved at the second meeting in June. Dr. Battle confirmed the transportation change would only be implemented if the related budget assumptions are approved.
The committee advanced the policy change for first reading. The record shows the proposal is contingent on budget approval and that hazardous-route exceptions will continue to be honored for current riders.
