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RCS district trims contracted bus runs, cites $329,000 savings; parents raise communication concerns
Summary
The district said new routing reduced contracted runs to three and saved $329,000; parents told the board they had not received timely route communications and stop-finder data still showed last year's routes.
Board members and staff on Aug. 18 described a restructuring of student transportation that reduced contracted runs and produced a substantial savings, while parents and board members raised concerns about short notice and incomplete public routing information.
"We were able to only do three contract runs this year, and it's a savings of $329,000," Jesse (board member) said, describing the district's work to bring more routes in-house and to use routing data to improve efficiency. Board members thanked Amy and the transportation department for adding five drivers and establishing a floater so runs are less likely to be canceled.
District staff said one reason the routing changed is that the district no longer needs a special-education run for a student who no longer attends an out-of-district school. The district emphasized it will try to avoid cancellations and disruptions for existing students.
Parents at the meeting said initial communications about routing had not reached them two weeks before school. Amy and other staff told the board that the district's stop-finder tool is not yet live for the new routes; it still reflects last year's routing information. Amy said she has been contacting private-school families and adjusting pickup locations to make routes more efficient, and the district said state rules do not require door-to-door service for private-school students; the district must provide transportation for students who live within 15 miles of the school, the board said.
Board members asked that communications to families be improved when significant routing changes are planned. "If there's ever a big change, make sure the communication goes out far enough in advance," one board member said; district staff agreed to have Amy contact private-school parents directly and to improve advance notices.
The board also noted the arrival of an electric vehicle school bus the district received for demonstration; district staff said onboard battery charge will provide only short-range operation until a charger is installed.
What was decided
- No formal board vote was required to change routing; the board discussed operational changes and directed staff to continue parent outreach and routing adjustments.
Why it matters
Changes in routing can affect where students are picked up or dropped off and whether families must change their plans at short notice. The district framed the changes as cost savings and operational efficiency while parents urged clearer, earlier communication.
