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Board approves change to student transportation eligibility radius; district lowers free-bus cutoff to 1.5 miles
Summary
Mr. Myers told the board that, for 2025–26, Webster Groves will lower the free school-bus eligibility cutoff to 1.5 miles and will allow current paid riders to continue service through grade transitions.
Mr. Myers presented the district’s transportation proposal and said the district will continue providing free transportation to students living at or beyond 1.5 miles from their assigned school for 2025–26 (previously the threshold was 2 miles). The change means some families currently paying for paid transportation within the new 1–1.5-mile band may become eligible for free service.
Myers said the district will let currently enrolled riders who already use paid service continue through grade-level transitions (for example, students entering middle or high school) and will prioritize free-eligible riders if routes reach capacity. He said First Student, the district’s private bus contractor, is prepared to add routes if necessary, and added that the district’s initial fiscal modeling estimated a net gain of roughly $100,000 in state aid if no additional buses are required. “We should net at about a hundred thousand dollars if we don't have to add buses,” Jacob (business officer) said.
Board members asked how families will determine eligibility. Staff said the district calculates route eligibility on road distance, not straight-line distance, and that the district will contact families directly and publish routing details; families can also contact the transportation office.
The board approved the transportation changes by voice vote. Staff will finalize routing and communicate the new eligibility and sign-up process to families.
