Superintendent Dr. McDowell told the Collingswood Public School District Board of Education that a recent MTSS analysis shows a direct link between travel distance and chronic tardiness at the high school, and identified "over 100 students" who are disproportionately affected. The district is exploring targeted short-term steps — including a grace period for tardy marks, biking initiatives and philanthropic supports — rather than pursuing widespread courtesy busing.

Why it matters: Board members said attendance and punctuality affect participation in after-school activities, athletics and instructional time. Implementing universal busing, board members were told, would carry major recurring costs and could require tradeoffs in instructional spending.

What was said: Dr. McDowell summarized the team's findings and proposed immediate, targeted remedies. "It was determined that there was a direct correlation between the distance that students travel, and the tardiness," she said, and noted the district would begin a grace period in January for students disproportionately affected by long commutes while pursuing other solutions. When asked whether busing could be offered, Dr. McDowell said courtesy busing "is not part of the consideration" and estimated a full busing program could cost "$5 to $7,000,000 a year."

Board members and parents pressed both historical context and changing family patterns. One member observed that students have walked to the high school for decades; parents and other board members countered that household composition and responsibilities have changed, leaving some young students to manage long commutes and caregiving duties for younger siblings. The board emphasized it wants to avoid punitive attendance practices for students who live farther away.

Alternatives and partners: Dr. McDowell said the district is coordinating with the Camden County Transportation Management Association, which leads Safe Routes to School efforts. Community commenters suggested technology-enabled carpooling options such as GoKid and public-private partnerships like Via as lower-cost, targeted approaches.

Outcome and next steps: No motion to authorize widespread busing was made. The board instructed staff to continue analysis and to consider targeted, equitable interventions; district leaders said more detail will be developed during budget planning and at upcoming community roundtables and the winter retreat.

Ending: The board closed the discussion with an agreement to explore multiple options, continue student-focused outreach and report back with more precise recommendations during the budget season.