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Students press Putnam board for after-school transportation; board asks superintendent to study options
Summary
Two students asked the Putnam County School Board to provide transportation for after-school programs; board members directed the superintendent to research costs and options and report back.
Two students who identified themselves as working on a Girl Scouts project urged the Putnam County School Board on Jan. 28 to provide transportation for after‑school programs, saying lack of rides prevents some students from attending and creates safety concerns.
"This is an issue that affects many kids in the world including ourselves and some people that we know. There was a time where I had to walk miles in the dark to get home due to not having a ride after my after school program," said Michelle Doyle, a QA Roberts Junior Senior High School student. Ashley Mars, who said she is homeschooled, joined Doyle in asking the board to consider transportation options and cited academic and environmental benefits.
Board members acknowledged the students’ presentation and directed Superintendent Rick Sorency to gather information and return to the board with options. "We will ask the superintendent to see what he can bring back to us as far as additional information on that," the board chair said after the public comment.
Board discussion summarized several constraints and possible approaches. Trustees said the federal- and state-funded 21st Century after‑school program does not cover transportation costs; members suggested the Putnam Educational Foundation or other local partners might help with funding. Board members also discussed lower-cost alternatives mentioned in the meeting record, including a hub pickup system, activity buses driven by coaches or staff (as done historically at the district), and limited targeted routes rather than full-system bus service.
Superintendent Sorency and staff agreed to conduct a cost inquiry and report back to the board. The meeting record shows no commitment to fund a program at this meeting; rather, the board requested more information about cost, logistics and liability before any action.
Students' request and the board's direction came during the public comment portion of the Jan. 28 meeting; several trustees later commented they supported pursuing possible funding partners and feasibility research.
