Conewago Valley board orders K–6 transportation survey after debate over 1‑mile walking zone and bus capacity

The Conewago Valley School District Board of School Directors voted Jan. 27 to send a districtwide transportation survey focused on K–6 families after a wide-ranging discussion about the board’s 1‑mile walking zone, bus capacity and safety concerns.

Superintendent Dr. Perry told the board that maps of student home locations show "all of our walkers are within 1 mile radius," and said the district’s current count is 295 students who live within that mile and would be considered walkers under the board’s guidance. She presented a rough cost estimate that would, she said, amount to about $10,000 per student per year, and noted the district had previously extended the walking radius to 1.5 miles during COVID‑19 and then returned to a 1‑mile standard.

Board members said they wanted better data before considering policy changes. "We need to understand who is actually walking," said a board member. Several directors said they hear parents’ safety concerns for younger children walking on…