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Board designates bus routes, discusses payment-in-lieu and driver shortages
Summary
Bellbrook-Sugarcreek trustees approved the district's bus stops and routes for 2025–26 under Ohio transportation rules, discussed new downtown pick-up points and payment-in-lieu reimbursements for families who choose non-district schools, and heard staff describe driver shortages and safety-camera benefits.
The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local School District Board of Education on Sept. 11 approved a motion designating all bus stops, routes and time schedules for the 2025–26 school year under Ohio transportation rules (cited at the meeting as section 3301-83-13). The motion gives the superintendent and the transportation coordinator authority to adjust stops or routes for student safety during the year.
Board members also approved a separate item that authorizes payment in lieu of transportation for students who attend nonpublic or nonresident schools when bus transportation is impractical. District staff told the board about the number of families requesting reimbursement and how the program is administered.
Laurie, the district's transportation coordinator (last name not specified at the meeting), described operational challenges including start-time conflicts with nearby schools and a shortage of qualified drivers. She said payment-in-lieu begins with a family's request for transportation; when the district cannot provide a route due to timing or driver shortages, it offers reimbursement under the state-determined payment amount. The board packet referenced a per-student amount of about $607; a district official later cited $670.58 during discussion, noting the exact figure is set by the State Board of Education.
The board heard that the district added downtown Bellbrook pick-up points this year; roughly two dozen students across three schools have used those stops, district staff said. The transportation coordinator said the change used existing resources and did not require new routes.
Board members asked about safety cameras on buses. Staff reported that dash and side-arm cameras, combined with interior footage and recorded light activation, have streamlined enforcement and reduced the need to subpoena drivers for court appearances. The transportation coordinator said the district is averaging fewer driver-related legal follow-ups since installing cameras and that the footage has helped document incidents more completely.
The board did not alter district policy at the meeting beyond approving the annual route designation and payment-in-lieu participation; staff said they will continue to refine routes and notifications as new students enroll and staffing levels change.
Ending: Staff urged parents to use the district's transportation request process if they seek reimbursement or alternative routing; board members said they will monitor driver staffing and camera evidence to keep routes running safely.
