Fall River policy subcommittee refers revised walkers-and-riders policy to full committee

The Policy Subcommittee of the Fall River School Committee voted to refer a draft revision of the district’s walkers-and-riders policy (EEAA) to the full committee, after administrators described changes that would measure eligibility by walking distance rather than "as the crow flies" and a discussion about grandfathering and budget impacts.

The draft would change eligibility for K–5 students from 1 mile (as the crow flies) to more than 1.5 miles walking distance, and for grades 6–8 from the prior 1.4–1.5 miles (as the crow flies) to 2 miles walking distance. Presenters said the new language is intended to preserve transportation for students who currently receive it while aligning district practice with guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education…