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Chariho committee tables revised transportation policy after debate over two-bus stops and equity
Summary
Committee members questioned a proposed transportation policy change that would restrict students to a single bus assignment even in shared-custody situations. Concerns over equity and appeals procedures led the committee to vote to table the policy and return it to the policy subcommittee for revision.
The Chariho School Committee on a unanimous procedural vote tabled a proposed update to the district—s transportation policy after committee members raised equity and custody-related concerns and asked administrators to return the policy to the policy subcommittee for revision.
Administrators said the draft policy was a legal review intended to align policy language with current practice. The proposal would standardize pick-up and drop-off rules, including a reference that kindergarten students generally are assigned stops nearest their home and that districts follow state guidance rather than a legal mandate for home pick-up. Superintendent-level staff told the committee the district has been picking up kindergarteners at or near their homes as a local practice, not because state law requires it.
During discussion, several committee members pressed whether the policy would bar assigning a student to two different buses on different days—a common request in shared-custody households. One committee member said the draft seemed to remove ability to accommodate students with two residences and urged language that would allow a second bus stop "if space is available." Administrators responded that allowing selective two-bus assignments could create inequities across neighborhoods and that appeals procedures remain available: first principal, then the transportation supervisor (Mr. Zenian), then the superintendent and finally the committee.
A recurring concern was budgetary: administrators said rising ridership and higher fuel and operating costs meant the district lacks the funds now to add buses or routinely assign extra seats; any broader accommodation would likely require increased busing funding in the budget. Committee members asked the policy subcommittee to consider language that clarifies when exceptions can be made and to invite the district—s transportation supervisor and legal counsel to the subcommittee meeting.
The motion to table and return the draft to the policy subcommittee passed; committee members said they expect revised language and an opportunity for fuller committee input at the subcommittee meeting.
