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Board approves bus-route changes: five‑minute bell adjustments and fewer gated‑community stops to save routes and time
Summary
Trustees approved a transportation plan that shifts elementary/middle/high bell times by five minutes and reduces bus stops inside gated communities; district projects at least five routes removed and about $83,700 in annual savings.
The board approved a transportation package that adjusts school start and end times by five minutes across elementary, middle and high schools, aligns the Northeast Alternative Center bell schedule with high schools, and reduces middle- and high-school bus stops inside gated communities.
Transportation director Bill Harrison told trustees the modest bell‑time shifts (elementary early schools move 5 minutes earlier, middle schools 5 minutes later, high schools 5 minutes later) buy about 10 minutes between tiers. That extra time and fewer gated entries would allow buses to take additional stops, enabling the district to remove an estimated three routes in the morning and two in the afternoon. Harrison said reducing gate entries would remove more than 100 stops currently inside gated subdivisions and improve on‑time arrival rates.
Board members asked about rider safety, walking distances to new stops and communications; Harrison said the district will use its SmartTag system and other communications to notify affected families and work with principals to map changes. Trustees also discussed driver shortages; Harrison and staff said the district is exploring smaller 14‑seat multi‑passenger vehicles that do not require a commercial driver’s license to increase flexibility.
The board voted to approve the recommended adjustments for the 2025–26 school year. Transportation staff estimated recurring annual savings of roughly $83,735 from the route reductions, plus additional savings from reduced vehicle wear and parts usage.
Why it matters: Route consolidations and bell adjustments affect daily schedules for students, families and employees. The district said the changes improve on‑time arrival and efficiency while aiming to maintain safe access for students.
What’s next: Staff will finalize routing, map new stops with principals and launch a communication plan to notify affected families and campuses in the weeks ahead.
