Board asks administration for more analysis of out‑of‑district parochial busing after $153,787 shortfall cited

Board members requested a detailed report on parochial (out‑of‑district) student transportation after staff outlined operational strain and a significant net cost.

A board member noted the packet showed a roughly $153,787 cost for the fiscal year tied to transporting students who attend private schools outside district boundaries and questioned whether the district should continue the practice. Transportation staff and administration clarified that Illinois state code does not require transporting students outside district boundaries and that typical reimbursement rules do not apply when schools are outside the district. One administrator said the arrangement appeared to be a long‑standing, informal agreement dating to the 1990s and described the historical record as incomplete.

Board members raised two central concerns: fiscal responsibility and driver availability. Members asked for comparisons to other districts, legal constraints or mandates, timeline implications for affected families and whether fees charged to parochial schools offset costs. Administration agreed to compile background (historical records, fee methodology, cross‑district comparisons and timeline scenarios) and return in January with a potential February action item.

Several trustees emphasized communication to affected families and schools if policy changes are discussed, with one member suggesting the district provide earlier notice than a March cutoff to allow parochial schools time to plan. One member suggested the board consider whether any savings could be redirected to recruiting and retaining bus drivers.

No decision was made; the board’s direction was limited to requesting more information for January reporting and possible action in February.